Lionel Messi moved to second spot in all-time top scorer in men's international football after scoring a Canada in the Copa America semifinal.
Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the semi-final of the Copa America semifinal and qualified for the final, with another trophy in sight.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored Argentina’s second goal of the game in the 51st minute making it his 109th for La Albiceleste.
The midfielder is just 21 goals away from meeting his rival Cristiano Ronaldo who has 131 goals for Portugal.
![Lionel Messi: 2 records the Argentina captain has set at the Copa America](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10072024/7cf155e3-7978-49a0-8ecd-8eb12109afb9.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
11:03 - 10.07.2024
Lionel Messi: 2 records the Argentina captain has set at the Copa America
The superstar finally broke his duck against Canada as Lionel Scaloni’s men secured their spot in another final.
![Messi and Alvarez fire Argentina to Copa America final](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10072024/a9d8da43-6136-49f9-9466-008cba13aa2a.jpeg?operations=fit(180:))
10:00 - 10.07.2024
Messi and Alvarez fire Argentina to Copa America final
Canada bow out after an impressive debut campaign in Copa America
Messi moves to second spot
Lionel Messi has become the second-greatest goal scorer in men's international football history, surpassing Ali Daei of Iran.
![Lionel Messi in action against Canada || Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10072024/764e6bda-269c-4be4-ad41-a4e79f976a6f.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The Argentine scored his first goal of the 2023 Copa America and his 14th goal overall in the competition with a tenacious attempt from close range.
![Ali Daei of Iran || Getty](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10072024/462d1841-3ca9-44cd-a45e-d2f82f7fe986.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
According to Daily Mail, Messi's goal moved him one clear of the Iranian legend and 21 goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo for his country.
![Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal leads with the most goals in International football || Getty](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10072024/2358912e-6d4a-4400-875f-2a99b9e373f5.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
In addition to his new record, Messi set a new mark for appearances in the tournament this year by making his first appearance in the first round.
![Messi becomes the second highest goal scorer in international football || Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10072024/c1dab44c-a22d-4260-96a7-30377cece9be.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The Inter Miami hero shattered a record held by Chilean custodian Sergio Livingstone since 1953 in his 35th appearance over seven league editions.
Messi now has record books with 186 appearances, scoring 109 goals and providing 56 assists for Argentina.