Striker Lionel Messi set two super records in Argentina’s opening match at Copa America 2024.

Messi makes history at Copa America

In the opening match of Copa America 2024, Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 with superstar Lionel Messi having a hand in both goals. The 1987-born star initiated the attack in the second half to help his team open the score, before assisting Lautaro Martinez to seal the 2-0 victory.

Thus, Messi has become the player with the most goals and assists in the history of the Argentina national team with 54 times (26 goals and 28 assists). During his career, the former Barca star has made 373 decisive passes for his teammates to score goals at the club and national team levels, an unprecedented record in the history of world football.

Messi contributed greatly to Argentina’s victory over Canada

More specifically, Messi also made history by becoming the player who played the most matches in Copa America, with 35 matches over 7 tournaments. The 36-year-old star currently has 13 goals, four goals short of the record for scoring in the Americas Cup.

Speaking after Argentina’s win over Canada, Messi said:  “We knew it would be a difficult and tense match. There was very little space in the first half. Luckily, we quickly found a goal in the second half. However, the match became even more difficult.

We have the patience to get the ball, to move from one side to the other. Most opponents play differently against us so we have to keep possession.”

In the second match, Argentina will face Chile at 8am on June 26, while Canada will face Peru.