Lionel Messi becomes the most capped Argentina player, leaves Javier Mascherano behind

Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi moves past Javier Mascherano to achieve the most capped player for Argentina after defeating Bolivia in CONMEBOL Copa America on Monday. The star footballer became the most capped player in style with an amazing performance by scoring twice on his 148th appearance for the national team, surpassing Javier Mascherano’s record. It was a sad moment when Messi was sent off after just 43 seconds in his debut in 2005.

In that game, he came as a second-half substitute against Hungary in Budapest, though, he was red-carded for swinging an arm in an opponent’s face. Messi’s 74th and 75th international goals led him to unbeaten 17 games on Monday. His national team hasn’t seen the Copa America trophy since 1993 and Lionel is desperate to get Argentina a title.

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Messi said, “I’ve been lucky enough to win everything at club level and individual level and it would be lovely also to win something with the national side. That’s my dream.” He had also received many praises “A true legend, Leo! Congratulations” from his Spanish club. Lionel has appeared in three finals of Copa America as well as the FIFA 2014 final, in all these he failed to succeed. Although, Argentina are in great form into the last eight of the Copa America and were undefeated since 2019.