International

Lionel Messi breaks Pele’s record for the most international goals by a South American player

Lionel Messi has added yet another milestone to his decorated career. The Argentine superstar surpassedBrazilian legend Pele asthe leading goalscorer in Conmebol history.

Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Bolivia saw him surpass Pele as the South American player with the most goals scored. (Getty)
Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Bolivia saw him surpass Pele as the South American player with the most goals scored. (Getty)

Is there a record he hasn’t broken yet? Lionel Messi has made history once again, this time with the national team. The Argentine megastar has surpassed Brazilian legend Pele for the most goals scored by a South American player.

Advertisement

‘O Rei’ originally held the continental record with77 international goals in 92 appearances to his name, butit seemed like a matter of time until Messi finally surpassed him.

The PSG star got on the scoresheet 79times in 153appearances andis eleven goals clear of Neymar, and16of his other close friend, Luis Suarez of Uruguay. Check out his hat-trick against Bolivia that saw him break the record.

Advertisement

Lionel Messi’shat-trick to overtake Pele as the South American leading goalscorer

Pele’s record has been safe for a while, until Lionel Messi emerged to the soccer world. It’s not been an easy roadfor Leo at the international level, where he struggled to succeed as he did in Barcelona, but eventually he found the way to keep on adding to his legacy.

Thursday, September 9, 2021 will remain a special date for him as that’s when he surpassed Pele to claim the Conmebol record for most goals scored. Check out his three goals against Bolivia that helped him achieve the feat.

Advertisement
Tweet placeholder
Tweet placeholder
Advertisement

Once again, Messi has written history and added another fantastic milestone to his belt. It’s not unusual anymore, he may be 34 years old but he doesn’t seem to. In fact, he seems to never get older.

ALSO READ
Report: USA among three candidates to host 2028 Copa America
Soccer

Report: USA among three candidates to host 2028 Copa America

Report: Conmebol has an impressive plan that would allow every South American country to play in the 2030 World Cup
Soccer

Report: Conmebol has an impressive plan that would allow every South American country to play in the 2030 World Cup

Gianni Infantino under pressure as CONMEBOL seeks major FIFA World Cup 2030 format change
Soccer

Gianni Infantino under pressure as CONMEBOL seeks major FIFA World Cup 2030 format change

Conmebol 2026 World Cup Qualifiers top scorers: Who finished atop the scoring charts?
Soccer

Conmebol 2026 World Cup Qualifiers top scorers: Who finished atop the scoring charts?

Better Collective Logo