Messi Set for 200th Argentina Cap, Bolivia His Favorite Victims

Lionel Messi will mark a historic milestone this week as he prepares to win his 200th cap for Argentina when they face Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

At 38 years old, the captain is set for one final bow on the global stage, having already cemented his legacy by leading Argentina to Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, and most memorably, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi’s international journey has been defined not only by trophies but also by his remarkable scoring record against a wide range of opponents.

No nation has suffered more at his feet than Bolivia, against whom he has netted 11 times in 12 matches.

Ecuador and Venezuela follow, with seven goals each, though Messi needed fewer games to reach that tally against Ecuador. Uruguay, Argentina’s fierce neighbors, have conceded six goals to him across 13 encounters.

Europe’s Estonia makes a surprise appearance in the list, with Messi scoring five goals in a single match in 2022. Guatemala, another unlikely victim, has conceded five goals in just two meetings.

Chile, Brazil, and Paraguay have each been on the receiving end of five Messi strikes, while Panama completes the top ten with four goals in only two matches.

Among other notable opponents, Messi has scored three goals in three matches against France and three in four against Croatia, underlining his ability to deliver against the world’s strongest sides.

In fact, seven of his top 20 favorite opponents are currently ranked among FIFA’s leading nations, with two inside the global top ten.