Following his hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup qualifier win against Bolivia, Lionel Messi has overtaken Pele as the leading South American men's goalscorer in international matches.
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The PSG attacker got all the goals in the 3-0 win in Buenos Aires last night which brought his total for Argentina to 79 in 153 games.
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Brazil legend Pele finished his career on 77 international goals in 92 games. Messi's 14th-minute goal from outside the box put him level with Pele and he broke the record in the second half.
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The 34-year-old was congratulated by his teammates after dribbling past a defender for his second goal before completing a hat-trick from a rebound two minutes before full-time.
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On target... Messi (right) shoots to score a against Bolivia during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
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Messi pounced for his 77th, 78th and 79th international goals to keep Argentina firmly on course for a place at next year's finals in Qatar against a Bolivia team languishing near the foot of the table.
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The former Barcelona star's great rival Cristiano Ronaldo holds the outright record for goals scored in international football with 111 from 180 games.
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Bolivia's Carlos Lampe celebrates with Messi after the match. "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."
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Leading the way... Messi's 29-year-old PSG team-mate Neymar has scored 69 goals in 113 appearances for Brazil.
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