Lionel Messi becomes the best scorer in the history of American qualifiers

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Argentina confidently beat Peru, and Lionel Messi managed to set a new record.

Lionel Messi, Getty Images

Striker Lionel Messi scored a double in the match. Thus, the 36-year-old footballer became the record holder for goals in American qualifying tournaments. Messi scored 31 goals for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. Uruguay striker Luis Suarez is in second place (29 goals).

Messi made his national team debut on 17 August 2005. In 18 years, the footballer has played 178 matches, scored 106 goals and provided 56 assists. With Argentina, Messi won the Copa America (2020/2021) and the World Cup (2022).