Gala in front of an audience: The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has overtaken the Brazilian football legend Pelé as the record goal scorer in South America.
In the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in Buenos Aires, Messi scored all three goals in a 3-0 (1-0) goal on Thursday (local time).
“I really wanted to enjoy it.
I've waited a long time for it, I've been looking for it and dreaming about it, ”Messi said after the final whistle.
"It's a unique moment because it turned out that way after waiting for so long."
In the first game in front of an audience in Argentina since the beginning of the corona pandemic, the Paris Saint-Germain striker scored his goals in the 13th, 64th and 88th minutes. 21,000 fans in the El Monumental stadium in the capital witnessed his memorable performance. “There is no better way to celebrate than to be here. My mother is here, my siblings in the stands. They suffered a lot and today they are here celebrating, ”said Messi, his voice choked with tears. "I am very happy."
With the goals against Bolivia, the 34-year-old scored his goals number 77 to 79 in the Albiceleste jersey.
This pulled him past Pelé in the international goals, who scored 77 goals for Brazil's selection over the course of his career.
Messi also snatched the record of most goals for the same club at his long-time club FC Barcelona from the Brazilian legend (643 goals for FC Santos) in December 2020.
Brazil wins too
The most dangerous national player in history is Cristiano Ronaldo with 111 goals in the jersey of the Portuguese national team.
He is followed by the former Iranian Bundesliga professional Ali Daei and the Malaysian Mokhtar Dahari.
The Brazilian national team beat Peru 2-0 (2-0) in Recife on Thursday.
The goals for the Seleção were scored by Éverton Ribeiro in the 14th minute and Messi's club colleague Neymar in the 40th minute.
The record world champion continues to lead the South American qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar ahead of Argentina and Uruguay.
Last Sunday, the game between Brazil and Argentina in São Paulo was canceled because, according to the Brazilian health authority, Argentinian players had violated the country's Corona guidelines.
The world association FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against both national associations.