Messi to reach 200-cap milestone in Argentina jersey

Lionel Messi is set to script a rare chapter in football history when he takes the field for Argentina's World Cup group stage match against Algeria in Kansas. It will be his 200th international appearance for the Albiceleste.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will become only the second player in men's international football history to reach 200 appearances for his country, after Cristiano Ronaldo (228 for Portugal) . In his 199 matches so far, he has scored 117 goals and provided 64 assists, playing over 16,380 minutes .

His international journey began with a controversial red card just minutes into his debut against Hungary in 2005. Over nearly 19 years, he has transformed himself into Argentina's greatest footballer of all time .

Statistically, his career is an epic narrative. He has played 26 World Cup matches, 39 Copa América matches, and 72 South American World Cup qualifiers, scoring 36 goals and assisting 14 in qualifiers alone .

In terms of trophies, Messi has won the 2022 Qatar World Cup, two Copa América titles, and a Finalissima.

Messi has not yet made any formal announcement regarding retirement from international football. For now, his focus remains on the upcoming matches.