Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has broken the South American men’s record of goals held by Brazil legend, Pele.
Messi netted a hat-trick as they beat Bolivia 3-0 in a World Cup qualifying fixture in Buenos Aires.
It took his total tally of international goals to 79, two more than Pele’s.
The 34-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, making his 153rd appearance for Argentina, drew level with Pele’s longstanding mark of 77 goals in the 14th minute, nutmegging a defender and then curling a sublime shot past Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.
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The Argentina captain then moved one clear of Pele in the 64th minute with his second of the night, surging into the Bolivian box and playing a one-two with Lautaro Martinez before tucking away a finish from close range.
Messi completed the seventh international hat-trick of his career two minutes from time, burying a rebound from close range after a shot from the edge of the area was only parried by Lampe.
“I’ve waited a long time for this,” an emotional Messi said afterwards.
“Now I’m going to enjoy it, it’s a unique moment after waiting so long. I am very happy,” he added.
via: Information Nigeria
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