Lionel Messi Equals Another All-Time Record In Last Argentina Home Game

Lionel Messi is on pace to break records even before stepping onto the pitch. As he prepares to play his last game in Argentina against Venezuela, Messi has already set another all-time record.

Fans worried that joining Inter Miami might limit Messi’s call-ups or playing time with the Argentina national team—but the opposite has happened. Since 2022, Messi has been included in every squad except when sidelined by injury.

Already the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers with 34 goals, and he is now set to become the leader in appearances in World Cup qualifiers.

Messi has played 71 qualifying games — just one shy of Ecuador’s Iván Hurtado, who leads the chart with 72. In the next double round against Venezuela and Ecuador, Messi has a clear shot to match and then beat that record.

If he plays both matches, he’ll hit 73 appearances, officially becoming the player with the most matches in South American World Cup qualifiers ever.