Lionel Messi is on the verge of reaching a major milestone as he prepares to play his 200th match for Argentina national football team in their World Cup group-stage fixture against Algeria in Kansas.
This achievement will place him in a very exclusive group, making him only the second male player in international football history to reach 200 caps.
He will follow Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently leads with 228 appearances.
Messi has featured in 199 matches for Argentina so far, registering 117 goals and 64 assists while spending over 16,000 minutes on the pitch. His journey with the national team began in 2005, when his debut ended abruptly after a red card against Hungary.
Since then, he has developed into the defining figure of Argentine football over the past two decades. His record includes 26 World Cup appearances, 39 Copa América matches, and 72 World Cup qualifying games in South America, where he has scored 36 goals and contributed 14 assists.
On the honours front, Messi has guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, two Copa América triumphs, and a Finalissima victory.
Although there has been ongoing speculation about his international future, Messi has not made any retirement announcement and remains fully focused on the tournament ahead.
FP/MI
Switzerland eyes HSIA ground handling operations
Messi set to make 200th international appearance for Argentina
Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup clash
ECNEC clears five development projects worth Tk 7,003 crore
2 killed, 40 injured in Habiganj clashes over graveyard road dispute 
Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed arrested in Dubai
ICT-2 releases full verdict in Abu Sayed killing case
Four die with measles symptoms, 1,052 suspected cases recorded in 24hrs
Home minister assures of quick repatriation of ex-IGP Benazir
Media have become representatives of business houses: Fakhrul
