Dailysports News Football news The eternal race of legends! Messi reaches a new milestone and closes in on Ronaldo

The eternal race of legends! Messi reaches a new milestone and closes in on Ronaldo

The match against Cape Verde will make Lionel Messi the second-most capped player in international football history.

Football news Today, 17:53

Raphael Durand Dailysports's expert

The eternal race of legends! Messi reaches a new milestone and closes in on Ronaldo

Photo: dazn.com / Author unknown

World Cup

Argentina Cabo Verde

Lionel Messi, in the match against Cape Verde, is set to become the second footballer in history with the most appearances for a national team.

Details: According to Squawka, the game against Cape Verde will be Messi's 203rd cap for Argentina.

See also: Argentina vs. Cape Verde: another step for the champions or the biggest playoff upset?

With this achievement, the Argentine superstar will take sole possession of second place in the all-time international football appearances ranking. The only player ahead of him remains Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 232 caps for Portugal.

In playing vs Cape Verde, Lionel Messi will become the second-most capped player in international football history, behind only... you guessed it. 🤪

232 - Cristiano Ronaldo
203 - Lionel Messi
202 - Luka Modrić & Bader Al-Mutawa

The two best to ever do it. 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/iwqcnHwArz
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 3, 2026

Currently, Messi shares the ranking with Luka Modrić and Bader Al-Mutawa, each with 202 international appearances. After taking the field against Cape Verde, the Argentine will surpass them both.

Reminder: Messi takes the field for Argentina and reaches a historic milestone

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