Lionel Messi erased Diego Maradona’s record FIFA World Cup appearances for Argentina with a 22nd match at the global football tournament on Wednesday.
Messi reached the landmark in the Group C game against Poland in Doha where Argentina had to avoid defeat in order not to be eliminated.
Maradona, who died two years ago, had played 21 World Cup games for Argentina and led them to the 1986 title.
Messi, 35, is playing in his fifth World Cup and is yet to lift the trophy, having lost in the 2014 final match to Germany. He has said the tournament in Qatar would be his last World Cup.
MARADONA WILL BE SUPER HAPPY…
Meanwhile. Lionel Messi believes Diego Maradona would be “super happy” after he led Argentina into the World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, thanks to a 2-0 win over Poland.
Messi became his country’s most capped player at the tournament with a 22nd appearance surpassing his legendary compatriot, who died just over two years ago.
“I learned it recently, I didn’t know it. It’s a pleasure to be able to continue to achieve these kinds of records. I think Diego would be super happy for me, because he always showed me a lot of affection, he was always happy when things went well for me,” said Messi.
Despite missing a penalty — his 39th career failure from the spot — the Argentina captain said he was “happy” with this “big match”.
