5 Countries Lionel Messi Has Played the Most Games In After Inter Miami Star Loses Debut in Mexico

• Lionel Messi played in Mexico for the first time on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Champions Cup
• Monterrey FC defeated Inter Miami 5-2 on aggregate to send Messi packing in the competition
• The Argentine star played in Spain 698 times in his career, amassing those matches with Barcelona

Lionel Messi added Mexico to the list of countries he has played in, starting for Inter Miami in their game against Monterrey FC.

His debut south of the border didn't go according to plan, though, with the Herons crashing out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Sports Brief looks at the five countries in which the Argentine star has played the most games following his Mexico debut.

Where did Messi play the most games?

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1. Spain (698 matches)

It isn't a complete surprise to see Spain grab the top spot. Messi, who played 698 matches in Spain, spent the majority of his playing career with Barcelona, enjoying unprecedented success with the Catalan giants.

He played 520 matches for Barca over 17 seasons in the Spanish top flight. During that period, he scored 474 goals, leading Barcelona to 10 La Liga titles.

He also played 80 matches in the Copa Del Rey, scoring 56 goals in that Spanish cup competition, which he won seven times.

He also played several Champions League matches in Spain during his time with Barcelona in the group stage and knockout rounds.

2. France (76 matches)

France are ranked second on the list, with Messi playing a total of 76 matches there. Messi made a blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after he was released by Barcelona due to the club's financial difficulties.

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He played 58 matches for PSG over two seasons in the French top flight, per TransferMarkt. During that period, he scored 22 goals, helping PSG win two Ligue 1 titles.

He also played a couple of matches in the Coupe de France. The Argentine star also played several Champions League matches in France during his time with Barcelona and PSG in the group stage and knockout rounds.

3. United States (51 matches)

The United States are ranked third on the list, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner playing 51 matches there. USA moved up the rankings after Messi decided to join Inter Miami and play in Major League Soccer last year.

Aside from playing in MLS, Messi also appeared in seven Leagues Cup matches in 2023. He scored 10 goals in that tournament, helping Inter Miami win their first-ever title.

4. Argentina (50 matches)

Lionel Messi is a proud member of La Albiceleste. He has been representing his country on the international stage since he was a teenager.

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He has played a total of 50 matches in Argentina, seeing action in World Cup qualifiers, Copa America qualifiers, Copa America matches, and international friendlies.

5. Brazil (24 matches)

Brazil are ranked fifth on the list, with Messi playing 24 matches there.

Argentina's national team has made several trips to Brazil throughout Messi's career for World Cup qualifiers, Copa America qualifiers, international friendlies, and Copa America matches.

Argentina also reached the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Brazil.

No Champions trophies for Ronaldo, Messi

Sports Brief recently reported on Ronaldo and Messi failing to win Champions trophies this season.

Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League after losing to Al Ain in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.

Inter Miami encountered a similar fate, losing to Monterrey FC in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.