CONMEBOL

Lionel Messi overtakes Luis Suárez’s goal record in CONMEBOL qualifiers

Messi netted a brace against Peru on Tuesday, becoming the all-time record goalscorer in South American qualifiers.

Alberto EstevezEFE

Lionel Messi has broken another record with the Argentina national team. Going into Tuesday’s game against Peru in Lima, Messi was level with Luis Suárez for goals scored in South American qualifiers. Suárez has 29 to his name for Uruguay and led the way until Messi found the back of the net twice to maintain Argentina’s unbeaten record in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.

The Albiceleste captain could of course add to his tally in the upcoming games for his country and extend his lead over his good friend Suárez. The Uruguayan striker managed to overtake Messi ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he scored against Chile, which may have been his last goal for La Celeste.

Messi celebrates against Peru.Paolo AguilarEFE

Most World Cup appearances

Messi has also made the most appearances for Argentina (178) and is showing no signs of stopping. He is also the player with the most World Cup appearances, with 26 in five World Cups. However, he has yet to catch all-time World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose, who has 16 goals, three more than the Argentine forward’s 13, but Messi could still appear at the 2026 World Cup and surpass the German’s record.

Top scorers in South American qualifiers

1. Leo Messi (31)

2. Luis Suárez (29)

3. Moreno Martíns (22)

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