Most matches in Copa America history: Messi breaks another history

9. Javier Mascherano | 26

The former Argentine star played 26 games in Copa America history. He has played in five Copa America tournaments.

8. Leonel Alvarez | 27 games

'El Tierno' of Colombia has played in 27 games in the tournament and featured in five tournaments from 1978 to 1985.

7. Gary Medel - 27 games

The former Chile defender and captain played in 27 games and won the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

6. Carlos Valderrama | 27 games

The Colombian legend "El Pibe" also played in 27 matches in Copa America's history. He featured in five edition of the tournament.

5. Yoshimar Yotún | 27 games

The Peruvian midfielder was responsible for Peru reaching podiums three times in five editions of the tournament including the final in 2019.

4. Víctor Agustín Ugarte | 30 matches

Víctor Agustín Ugarte is the highest goalscorer for Bolivia in Copa America history and played in five editions from 1947 to 1963.

3. Zizinho | 33 matches

The Brazilian midfielder has the record for most matches and goals for Brazil in Copa America. His 17 goals in six editions are as impressive as his 33 appearances in the competition.

2. Sergio Livingstone | 34 matches

Sergio Livingstone is the only goalkeeper on the list and before Lionel Messi broke his record, he was the player with most matches in Copa America. Livingstone played in six editions of the tournament.

1. Lionel Messi - 35 matches*

Lionel Messi has now the record for the most matches in Copa America history with 35 matches and counting. Messi also has the record for playing in most (7) editions of the tournament.