Lionel Messi breaks Pele's international goal record with hat-trick

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Argentina celebrates July's Copa America victory with 20,000 fans in Argentina after beating Bolivia

With a hat trick in Argentina's World Cup qualifier victory against Bolivia, Lionel Messi is now the top South American men's goal scorer in international matches.

All the goals scored in the 3-0 win at Buenos Aires boosted Messi's total for Argentina up to 79 in 153 matches.

Brazil legend Pele ended his career with 77 international goals in just 92 games.

Messi's 14-minute goal from the outside box brought him level with Pele, and he broke that record in the second period.

After passing past a defender, the 34-year old completed his second goal. He also scored a hat trick from a rebound two minutes prior to full-time.

Argentina's captain Messi celebrated the win with his team-mates and the Copa America trophy, in front of over 20,000 spectators at the Monumental Stadium.

He was the leader of the team to the title, his first major international football trophy, which he won in July against Brazil.

Messi posted on Instagram, "I dreamed of this day a lot" and a photo of Messi with the trophy afterward.

"I have no words to express my gratitude for all the love and support I've received." It was a wonderful night. I loved it.

Neymar, Messi's Paris St Germain teammate at 29 years old, has scored 69 goals in 113 Brazil appearances.

After winning five of the three qualifying games, Argentina is second to Brazil in South America's World Cup qualifying table.

Marta holds the record for scoring the most goals by a South American player with 109 goals for Brazil's women team.