World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi Becomes Argentina’s All Time Most Capped Player at Tournament

• Lionel Messi has overtaken the record of legend Diego Maradona as the Argentine with the most World Cup appearances
• The PSG forward made his 22nd World Cup appearance after featuring for the South American side against Poland
• The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is now the most capped Argentina player at the World Cup as he adds to his list of records

Lionel Messi has become the most-capped Argentina player at the World Cup, after taking the field for his side against Poland on Wednesday evening.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar captained La Albiceleste in their gigantic tie against Robert Lewandowski's side, in their final Group C encounter of the tournament.

The Argentine genius started alongside Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez and Juventus winger Angel Di Maria in a devastating attacking trident.

The 35-year-old has now earned his 22nd World Cup cap for the 2021 Copa America champions. He has also overtaken Diego Maradona, who made 21 appearances for the South American giants, according to Squawka.

Salem Aldawsari: Watch Saudi Arabia star score wonder goal against Argentina in World Cup group opener

Football

Messi also surpassed former Barcelona and Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano, who was previously second with 20 appearances on the biggest stage of international football.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will be hoping to replicate Maradona’s record by winning the World Cup with Argentina, in what he has confessed will likely be his last appearance at the Mundial.

Argentina crossed swords with Poland in a cagey Group C encounter, with both teams battling it out for a place in the knockouts in a group where all four teams can still go through.

Lionel Scaloni's side are currently second in Group C, having bounced back from their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia by beating Mexico 2-0 last time out. Poland meanwhile, currently top the group.

Messi moves fan to tears

Lionel Messi becomes first Argentine to score at 4 different World Cup tournaments

Football

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Messi scored a stunning goal for Argentina in their second World Cup group game against Mexico.

La Albiceleste were consigned to a shock defeat at the hands of minnows Saudi Arabia in their 2022 World Cup opener.

The result ended Argentina's 36-game unbeaten run dating back to 2019, putting overwhelming pressure on the South Americans heading into their second group game.