Ex-Real Madrid star James Rodriguez on the verge of breaking Lionel Messi record after incredible form in Copa America 2024

Former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez is on the verge of breaking Lionel Messi's record due to his rather impressive form at 2024 Copa America. The 32-year-old notably left the Santiago Bernabeu in 2020, spending a year each at Everton, Al-Rayyan, and Olympiacos.

He has spent the current season with Sao Paulo in the Brazilian Serie A, leaving Europe in the past. However, the midfielder has found a new lease on life with the Colombia national team at Copa America. He has driven them to the semi-finals of the competition, and he could potentially win the trophy with Los Cafeteros.

The former Real Madrid man racked up three assists in the group stages while helping Colombia hold onto a 1-1 draw against Brazil in their final group game. They beat Panama a resounding 5-0 in the quarter-finals, with James Rodriguez scoring a goal and providing another two assists in the game.

This has now put him at par with Lionel Messi's record of five assists in a single edition of Copa America. While the Argentine legend made the record during the 2021 edition, Rodriguez looks to be on the verge of potentially breaking it.

Los Cafeteros have a tough semi-final clash against contenders Uruguay in their next match on July 11. If they can beat their strong opponents, a berth in the final will be secured for a clash against either Lionel Messi's Argentina or Canada. In the meantime though, Rodriguez will be hoping he can provide an assist against Uruguay and break Messi's record.

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When Lionel Messi called Real Madrid "the best team in the world"

Lionel Messi is on the verge of leading Argentina to a consecutive final in the Copa America if they can get past Canada in their semi-final clash. Meanwhile, back in June, the legendary forward notably called Real Madrid the best team in the world. This is a shocker, as Messi remains the biggest legend in Barcelona's history.

In an interview with Infobae in June, he shared his thoughts about Los Blancos, saying they were "the best in the world right now" (via Managing Madrid):

“If we’re talking results, it’s Real Madrid. If we’re talking playing style, I personally like Guardiola’s Manchester City a lot and I believe that every team he coaches will be special. Playing style, Manchester City are the best. Results, it’s Real Madrid."

Los Blancos won La Liga and Supercopa de Espana before the domestic season ended and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy. It will still come as something of a surprise to hear Messi admit to a team he long fought against throughout his Barca years as "the best".