Argentina legend Lionel Messi has equalled Javier Mascherano's record of 147 matches for the national side during their Copa America win against Paraguay.
Alejandro Gomez's 10th-minute strike was enough for Lionel Scaloni's side to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America, as they currently top their group with seven points and one game to play.
Messi started the game alongside new Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero and, despite not being able to add to his one goal and assist in this year's tournament so far, he played his part in helping the team to three points as he was a busy presence in the Paraguayan half.
The 33-year-old has now equalled Mascherano's appearance record in the white and blue of their country, and is likely to beat the record against Bolivia on Tuesday.
Messi has never won the Copa America with Argentina and, despite being a six-time Ballon d'Or winner and earning numerous trophies with Barcelona, silverware with his national team has so far eluded him.
Since making his senior debut for Argentina in 2005, Messi has gone on to score 73 goals in his 147 appearances.
Sammy Wynne
Argentina
Canada
Chile
Peru
Venezuela
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Mexico
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Uruguay
Panama
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Brazil
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Paraguay
