Neymar has shined in the World Cup in 2022 qualifiers for Brazil when he netted a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory against Peru. Referee Julio Bascunan awarded two controversial penalties for the Brazilian side, who took advantage of them and clinched the win.
Andre Carrillo and Renato Tapia scored for the Peruvian team, while the Paris Saint-Germain forward (3) and Richarlison netted for the visitors. Thanks to the three goals, the 28-year-old ace has now passed Ronaldo Nazario on the all-time goalscorers list.
Neymar has now scored a total of 64 national team goals, leaving Ronaldo in third with 62. Neymar faces another big challenge as it remains to be seen if he would catch up with Pele who scored 77 goals for Brazil.
Ronaldo’s message to Neymar
"You have all my respect, Neymar. You play a lot, you give assists, you pass, you dribble and you score. The sky is the limit. Now fly, my boy. What a beautiful story you are writing. A complete and increasingly mature player. A star,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
“I know how heavy the yellow jersey is and dealing with the pressure off the field is sometimes a bigger challenge than carrying the ball at your feet. Now tell me: where did we come from, where are we going... who is going to tell us what is impossible?
“Trust your instincts because the talent is yours and nobody can pull you down. You have many records to break and many marks to leave. Proud to see a Brazilian at the top.”
