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Lionel Messi Breaks Record for Most Copa America Appearances

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Lionel Messi has broken another record in his illustrious career…

The 36-year-old Argentine professional footballer is the new record-holder for appearances at the Copa América, making his 35th after getting the start for Argentina in their tournament opening 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday.

Lionel MessiThe Inter Miami CF striker passed Chile‘s Sergio Livingstone (34 caps) with his spot in Lionel Scaloni‘s starting XI in Atlanta. Brazil‘s Zizinho (33 caps) and Víctor Agustín Ugarte (30) of Bolívia round out the top four.

The forward debuted in the CONMEBOL tournament in 2007, starting a match against Venezuela under former Argentina manager Alfio Basile. Messi went on to feature in La Albicelete‘s six matches in 2007, including a 3-0 final loss to Brazil.

Since then, Messi has played in the 2011, ’15, ’16, ’19, ’21 and ’24 editions of Copa América to reach his total of 35 appearances. Argentina won the title three years ago to bring their total number of Copa wins to 15, but it was the first time they had done so during the Messi era.

The legendary forward could also soon break the record for most goals scored in Copa América.

He currently stands at 13 in 35 games, and would tie Argentine Norberto Méndez and Zizinho at 17 if he scored four during the U.S.-hosted competition.

A win at the Copa América would make Argentina the first team in South American history to secure three consecutive major tournament titles, having won the 2021 edition and the 2022 World Cup. Spain are the only team to have achieved that feat after winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, either side of their 2010 World Cup win.

Sergio Busquets to Reunite with Lionel Messi Following Agreement to Join the Team at Inter Miami

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Sergio Busquets is headed to Southern Florida…

The 34-year-old Spanish professional footballer, a midfielder for Barcelona, will join former teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami FC this summer.

Sergio BusquetsThe Major League Soccer (MLS) side has announced the arrival of the ex-Spain international on its social media accounts.

Busquets’ contract with Barca expires at the end of June and, after announcing his decision to end his 18-year stay at Camp Nou, he has been mulling over offers from the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Sources tell ESPN that Barca left-back Jordi Alba has also received interest from Miami and will make a decision on his future in the coming weeks after winning the UEFA Nations League with Spain.

Busquets held negotiations with Saudi sides Al Nassr and Al Hilal in recent weeks but opted for Miami’s offer, which sources say was financially inferior, having previously spoken of his desire to play in the U.S.

He will be reunited in South Florida with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who announced his intention to move to MLS earlier this month following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Busquets and Messi spent 13 years playing alongside each other in Barca‘s first team before Messi’s move to Paris in 2021. The two have remained close friends since.

Busquets made 722 appearances for Barca in total, winning nine league titles and three Champions Leagues during that time.

He has also been capped 143 times by Spain, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in 2012 before announcing his retirement from international football after last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Busquets and Messi could yet be joined in Miami by Alba, who reached an agreement with Barca last month to end his contract — which was due to expire in 2024 — one year early.

The left-back is also courting interest from Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia, with sources telling ESPN he will take some time with his family following the conclusion of the Nations League before making a final decision.

Alba’s desire to represent Spain in next summer’s European Championship, coupled with the fact that his partner is due to give birth to their third child in July, could influence his next move.