Luka Modrić nears Lionel Messi's international cap record

Croatia captain Luka Modrić continues to make history as he approaches the record for most international appearances. Following a 4-1 defeat to Spain in a UEFA Nations League match at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Modrić reached 204 caps after coming off the bench in the 80th minute.

At 41 years old, the midfielder is now just three appearances away from surpassing Lionel Messi’s 207 caps, provided he continues to feature in upcoming matches. While he remains a central figure for Croatia under manager Slaven Bilić, he is currently being managed to balance international duties with his club commitments at AC Milan.

Despite the loss to Spain, Modrić received a standing ovation from the crowd in Seville, a testament to his long career and his legacy in Spanish football following his years at Real Madrid. He recently became Croatia’s oldest-ever goalscorer during a 2-1 victory over Czechia, further cementing his enduring impact on the national team.