Argentina Clinch First Place In Copa America Group As Messi Sets Argentina Appearance Record & Scores Twice

Lionel Messi set the record for career international appearance for Argentina with 148, adding to his already incredible list of honors. Messi earned this title playing in a Copa America game versus Bolivia, surpassing his former Barcelona teammate, Javier Mascherano.

Messi, a native of Rosario, earned his first career appearance in August, 2005 coming in as a substitute versus Hungary and earning a red card within the first minute.

Entering the night, Messi already was Argentina’s leading goal scorer with 73 goals, however he continued to add to the tally. He added two goals in the first half, one of which on a penalty kick, and is now ninth in all-time international goals scored. Messi also tallied an assist to Papu Gómez.

Messi’s new Barcelona teammate, Sergio Aguero, also reached a milestone in this match as he recorded his 100th career appearance.

Coming into the match versus Bolivia, Argentina was in first place in Group A after going unbeaten in their first three matches. The 4-1 victory over Bolivia clinched first place and sends them to a quarterfinal matchup with Ecuador. They will play the winner of Uruguay–Colombia.

Messi has continued to impress throughout this tournament as he scored a brilliant free-kick goal in his first match versus Chile, tallying an impressive 57 career free-kick goals. Messi still has his eyes set on a first major international trophy with Argentina, who have not won a major trophy since the 1993 Copa América.

Article by Gabriel Mangiafico