4 New Records Messi Broke After Helping Argentina Defeat Canada in Copa America

• Lionel Messi reached multiple milestones in Argentina’s Copa America opening group game victory against Canada
• The five-time Ballon d’Or winner played a pivotal role for La Albiceleste as they secured a 2-0 victory in the opener
• Messi is making his seventh appearance for Argentina in the Copa America and could still shatter more records

Argentina kicked off their Copa America title defence with a win against Canada but it was Lionel Messi who grabbed all the headlines after breaking numerous records on June 20.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is bidding to win his second consecutive continental title and his fourth international trophy with La Albiceleste after guiding them to win the Copa title in 2021, Finalassima in 2022, and the FIFA World Cup also in 2022.

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According to GOAL, Messi was involved in both of Argentina’s goals against Canada, which were scored by Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez as he created the assist for the opening goal.

Victory in Group A stretches the world champions' unbeaten record at the Copa America to nine matches and the defending champions will face Chile next on June 26.

Sports Brief highlights four key records Messi broke in the Copa America opening game victory against Canada.

4 records Lionel Messi broke at Copa America

1. Most capped player in Copa America

Messi entered the history books as the most-capped player in Copa America history when he made his 35th appearance for Argentina in the 2-0 victory over Canada, ESPN reports.

The Argentina captain surpassed Chilean goalkeeper, Sergio Livingstone, who held the mark of 34 matches since 1953.

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2. Most goal contributions in major tournaments

Messi’s assist to Alvarez for Argentina’s opening goal against Canada put the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as the player with the most goal contributions in major international competitions.

The former Barcelona star, who is making his seventh appearance in the Copa America, has a total of 26 goals and 28 assists (54 G/A) in the World Cup and Copa America.

3. Most Copa America appearances by an Argentine

Messi has now become the first Argentine player to compete in seven different Copa America tournaments, having participated in every edition since 2007.

With his seventh appearance in the tournament, the Inter Miami star has tied Hector Scarone, Miton Melgar, and Carlos Borja for third place in the all-time list. Only Angel Romano and Alex Aguinaga have played in the tournament more times (eight each).

4. Seven assists in seven Copa America tournaments

Messi also made history by becoming the first player ever to register an assist in seven different Copa Americas.

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This remarkable achievement highlights the Argentine’s enduring influence and playmaking prowess on the international stage.

Davies delighted with Messi swap

Sports Brief also reported that Alphonso Davies had a Messi moment and said it was special to always swap jerseys with arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

The Bayern Munich star led Canada at the 2024 Copa America opener against the reigning world champions, with the North Americans suffering a two-goal defeat.