Just a day after Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal, Lionel Messi struck a brace for Argentina to set an incredible new South American record in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
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The 36-year-old started in the Albiceleste's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying win away over Peru, scoring both goals in their 2-0 victory.
This came after his long-time rival Ronaldo found the back of the net twice for Portugal in a 5-0 win for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With Messi's latest two goals, he has become the all-time record goalscorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 31 strikes, having previously been level on 29 with Uruguay legend Luis Suarez.
Messi has broken another record. (No matter when you read this)#ArgentinaNT pic.twitter.com/u5rUri1uLb
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 18, 2023
The Inter Miami captain gave Argentina the lead in the 32nd minute of the game with a trademark finish after the ball was cut back into the box, before repeating a similar move 10 minutes later.
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He has now scored 106 times in 178 appearances for for his country, while he has assisted a further 56 strikes since his debut in 2005.
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