Look! Argentina ace Messi overtakes Brazil legend Pele as leading South American men's goalscorer

Following his hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup qualifier win against Bolivia, Lionel Messi has overtaken Pele as the leading South American men's goalscorer in international matches.

The PSG attacker got all the goals in the 3-0 win in Buenos Aires last night which brought his total for Argentina to 79 in 153 games.

Brazil legend Pele finished his career on 77 international goals in 92 games. Messi's 14th-minute goal from outside the box put him level with Pele and he broke the record in the second half.

The 34-year-old was congratulated by his teammates after dribbling past a defender for his second goal before completing a hat-trick from a rebound two minutes before full-time.

On target... Messi (right) shoots to score a against Bolivia during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Messi pounced for his 77th, 78th and 79th international goals to keep Argentina firmly on course for a place at next year's finals in Qatar against a Bolivia team languishing near the foot of the table.

The former Barcelona star's great rival Cristiano Ronaldo holds the outright record for goals scored in international football with 111 from 180 games.

Bolivia's Carlos Lampe celebrates with Messi after the match. "I've waited a long time for this," an emotional Messi said afterwards. "Now I'm going to enjoy it, it's a unique moment after waiting so long. I am very happy."

Leading the way... Messi's 29-year-old PSG team-mate Neymar has scored 69 goals in 113 appearances for Brazil.