Lionel Messi added another record to his already-stacked resume of international football accolades with a brace during Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru.
The reigning World champions made it a perfect four wins from four games of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
After a goalless opening half hour, Argentina broke the host’s resistance thanks to a slick passing move. Enzo Fernandez’s driving run saw him lay the ball wide to Nico Gonzalez, who then found Messi. La Albiceleste’s captain duly provided an emphatic finish to give the visitors the lead.
Messi and Argentina had their second just ten minutes later. Chelsea’s Fernandez was once again influential; his run and cutback initially went to Julian Alvarez, who left the ball for the onrushing Messi. The Inter Miami star glided the ball home in typical fashion, giving Argentina a two-goal cushion that they would not relinquish.
As a result, Lionel Scaloni’s men continue their 100% start to World Cup qualifying in South America. Meanwhile, the brace also proved momentous for Lionel Messi, as he reached yet another record.
Messi is the all-time leading CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying scorer
Following this double against Peru, Lionel Messi now holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in the CONMEBOL (South American) World Cup qualifiers. His 30th and 31st goals in this category moved him past former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez.
Per Transfermarkt, Suarez previously held this record with 29 strikes from 62 games. Messi has now surpassed this, though, with 31 from 63 and counting.
This is another accolade that further solidifies Messi’s legendary status for both Argentina and his various clubs. It also adds to a very impressive collection of international records for Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi: His amazing international record tally for Argentina
The iconic forward has an almost unrivalled goal record for his career, with his international total no different. Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, with 106. This puts him head and shoulders above the rest, with Gabriel Batistuta a distant second on 55 goals.
Additionally, thanks to these 106 strikes, Lionel Messi also possesses the record for the most goals for a South American men’s national team. He also has made the most appearances in Argentina’s history.
In international tournaments, Argentina’s No.10 is his country’s youngest-ever World Cup scorer, with his goal against Serbia & Montenegro in 2006 securing this stat. Overall, Messi has scored in four different WC tournaments – an Argentina record as well.
La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph helped Messi cement an incredible legacy on the biggest stage, too. During the tournament, he became Argentina’s all-time leading WC goal scorer, with 13. Furthermore, Argentina’s run to glory saw Messi become the player with the most appearances in World Cup history (26 total).
Argentina’s talisman may even add to this, provided he is still fit and firing in 2026.
Finally, Lionel Messi created history as the first player to score in every round of a World Cup tournament in the 32-team format. He found the net in the groups, round of 16, QF, SF, and Final during Qatar 2022.
Now, though, Lionel Messi can enjoy adding yet another record to his unbelievable career.
Featured image credit: Getty