Lionel Messi has surpassed Pele’s 77 goals record to become South America’s highest goal scorer in history.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner on Friday scored a hat-trick during a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
“I was really anxious, and I really wanted to enjoy it. I’ve waited a long time for this, I went for it, and I dreamt about it. It’s a unique moment for the way it came about, after waiting so long,” said 34-year-old Messi.
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Messi opened the score sheet after fourteen minutes of play, scoring his 77th goal.
In the 64th minute, the former Barcelona man scored a brace which broke Pele’s 77-goal record of the highest international goal in the history of South A,merica.
His hat-trick took him above Pele’s record. So far, the Argentine has scored seven hat-tricks for his national team.
In the ten- team qualification tussle for Quarter 2022, Argentina are second place behind Brazil.
The top four teams will qualify automatically, while the fifth- placed team will play an inter-regional playoff.