In the first round of the Copa América, Argentina defeated Canada 2-0. With this victory, Argentina broke a three-tournament streak of not winning their opening match, a sweet triumph that Messi particularly cherishes. Especially as he approaches his 37th birthday, each match win adds another precious chapter to his career.
In an interview with Olé, Messi said after the game, “I feel good physically, although there’s some fatigue. The field conditions were challenging, but the whole team gave it their all. In the coming days, we’ll rest and prepare for Chile, which will be another tough match.”
In the over-a-century-old Copa América, Messi has written a new chapter by surpassing the 34-match record held by Chilean legend goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone for 69 years, with his 35 appearances, becoming the player with the most appearances in the tournament’s history. However, Messi responded to this milestone with his characteristic humility, “Individual records are not what I pursue. Being able to step onto the Copa América stage again, play alongside the national team, and enjoy the games is something I’m grateful for.”
The word “enjoy” recurs in Messi’s comments, reflecting his appreciation for every moment. As the player with the most Copa América appearances for Argentina, having participated seven times, he hasn’t disclosed whether he will aim for an eighth participation, a record currently shared by Uruguay’s Ángel Romano and Ecuador’s Alex Aguinaga.
Walking back to the hotel, Messi told Olé‘s reporter, “Our commitment to the fans remains unwavering. We give our all, with performances fluctuating, but our passion, attitude, and humility remain constant. Winning our first match under Scaloni boosts our confidence. Chile will be the next challenge, and no match in the group stage can be taken lightly. Winning the opener and getting those three points certainly helps settle the team’s mindset.”
