Messi Breaks Pele's Incredible Record With Sensational Hat-Trick
11 September, 2021
Argetina 3-0 Bolivia
Lionel Messi stole the show as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 3-0 a 2022 World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti.
After their clash with Brazil was called off, Argentina were without Emiliano Buendia, Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero who had to quarantine.
That made no difference as the day belonged to the new Paris Saint-Germain star who opened the scoring on 14 minutes with a sublime effort into the top corner from outside the box.
Messi then bagged his and Argentina's second goal in the 64th minute after some neat play with ended with the skipper firing into the bottom corner, equalling Pele's record of 77 goals in South American football.
The Six-time Ballon d'Or winnner than made the record his own after completing his hat-trick with two minutes left on the clock after finishing off a close-range effort.
Messi is now the all-time leading scorer in South American football with 79 goals to his name.
Brazil 3-0 Peru
Brazil maintained their winning start in the World Cup qualifiers after defeating Peru 2-0 at Itaipava Arena Pernambuco.
Selecao coach Tite felt no need to change his side after their clash with Argentina was called off due to the opponents violating the health protocols.
Everton Ribeiro opened the scoring after 14 minutes after being set up Neymar for his second goal in the qualifiers.
Neymar, who was criticised for being overweight, then got his name on the scoresheet five minutes before the break which proved to be enough to secure the spoils for the five-time world champions.
Brazil lead the standings with eight wins from eight matches, six points ahead of Argentina who occupy second spot.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za