Argentina star Lionel Messi became the most-capped player in Copa America history on Thursday, reaching 35 appearances in the opening match of the tournament against Canada.

The 36-year-old had previously shared the record with Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone, who had 34 caps. Messi equaled this record during the final of the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, where Argentina emerged victorious.

Messi's appearances span across seven editions of the Copa America, beginning with the 2007 tournament in Venezuela.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is poised to set more records in this year's competition. He needs four goals to tie with compatriot Norberto Méndez and Brazil's Zizinho as the all-time top scorer of the Copa America, each with 17 goals.

If Argentina wins the tournament, Messi would also become the first captain to win back-to-back Copa America titles.