Lionel Messi joins Ronaldo in elite club; becomes 3rd player in history to…

 Lionel Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina during the nation’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria, adding another milestone to one of football’s greatest careers. The 38-year-old captain became only the third men’s player to reach 200 international caps while extending his record as the most-capped World Cup player. A world champion, two-time Copa América winner and holder of multiple World Cup records, Messi’s latest landmark further underlines his extraordinary longevity and enduring importance to Argentina as they begin their title defence. Lionel Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina during the nation’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria, adding another milestone to one of football’s greatest careers. The 38-year-old captain became only the third men’s player to reach 200 international caps while extending his record as the most-capped World Cup player. A world champion, two-time Copa América winner and holder of multiple World Cup records, Messi’s latest landmark further underlines his extraordinary longevity and enduring importance to Argentina as they begin their title defence.