Lionel Messi has broken Pele’s record after scoring a hat-trick for Argentina against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier.
The match ended 3-0 in favour of Argentina, who continued their impressive run since winning the Copa America.
Pele had scored 77 goals and Messi equalled his tally with his first goal of the match.
Messi scored two other goals to become the top scorer in South American football with his 78th and 79th goal to add another milestone to his feather.
Messi expressed his delight at the end of the match.
“I’ve waited a long time for this,”
“Now I’m going to enjoy it, it’s a unique moment after waiting so long. I am very happy,” he added.
Messi has now scored 79 goals for Argentina in 153 matches.
