A week ago, Lionel Messi acknowledged that he would be very happy if he managed to make history in the Copa America and that this should be recognized by everyone. Leo does not seek to set records, the records come directly to him. Lionel Messi has made more history, both personally and in the competition.
He started the opening match against Canada and with that he became the player with most appearances in the tournament, which has existed for 108 years. With this match, he made his 35th apparition, surpassing Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, who had held the mark in 34 matches since 1953.
It will be a talking point once the game is over as the Argentine team are heavy favourites to win it all, but they need to start fast as in the last World Cup they lost a key game which left them facing an uphill battle in their second game, a game which turned into a 2-0 win over Mexico.
Lionel Messi can set more records, both individual and collective
Although more complicated, Messi could also become the top scorer in the history of the tournament. Currently, he scored 13 goals in the six editions he has played. The top scorers of the Copa América have 17 goals, a record that Messi could reach.
He seeks to match the mark of Tucho Mendezwho played in the 1940s, and the Brazilian Zizinho, active between 1940 and 1950. It's difficult, but not impossible.
For Messi, although it is an honor to continue writing pages of history, his goal is the collective. He has prepared especially for this tournament, playing the last games with Inter Miami and avoiding injuries, which affected him at the beginning of 2024.
He knows he no longer has the physique of his 20s when he played his first Copa America in Venezuela. He must manage his efforts, taking into account attrition. With hot and humid weather expected, Messi is ready to play every minute if necessary.
Source link: https://www.marca.com/en/football/copa-america/2024/06/21/6674ce68ca474102788b4598.html