Luka Modrić set for historic 200th cap for Croatia against Panama

Croatia captain Luka Modrić is set to reach another remarkable milestone when he makes his 200th appearance for the national team against Panama, becoming just the fourth player in international football history to join the exclusive "200 club".

Only three players have previously reached the mark. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with 229 international appearances, followed by Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa with 202. Argentina captain Lionel Messi recently became the third player to reach 200 caps.

The latest achievement adds to an extraordinary international career for the 39-year-old midfielder, who is appearing at his fifth World Cup and has also represented Croatia at five European Championships.

Speaking recently at a press conference in Dallas, Modrić reflected on his journey with the national team.

"The journey has been incredible. I could never have imagined playing in five World Cups. Looking back, I was just a boy with big dreams. I dreamed of making one appearance, and now I am close to 200. Every tournament made me a better player and a better person, thanks to all the coaches and teammates," he said.

Modrić made his debut for Croatia in March 2006 in a 3-2 victory over Argentina and scored his first international goal five months later in a 2-0 win over then world champions Italy in Livorno.

As captain, he led Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia in 2018, where the Vatreni finished runners-up, before guiding the team to third place in Qatar four years later. He also captained Croatia to a silver medal in the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

Modrić has scored 29 goals for his country, the latest coming in Croatia's final warm-up match against Slovenia before the team's departure for the World Cup in the United States.

The milestone has drawn praise from Modrić's teammates.

"A truly incredible number. It's hard to find the words. It's a remarkable story. Thank you, captain, thank you, Luka," said striker Andrej Kramarić.

Midfielder Petar Sučić said Modrić's longevity made the achievement even more special.

"It's difficult to reach this level, and even harder to stay there. That shows how special Luka is. We can only admire him and take our hats off to him," Sučić said.

Defender Josip Šutalo also paid tribute to the Croatian captain.

"We can all only admire him. We know what kind of player and person he is. We wish him all the best," Šutalo said.