Lionel Messi passes iconic Premier League striker to become the all-time leading goalscorer in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying

Lionel Messi added yet another record to his unrivalled catalogue after scoring a brace in Argentina’s 2-0 win against Peru in World Cup qualifying. 

The defending champions extended their perfect start on Tuesday night to four wins from four and continued their spectacular defensive record by keeping their eighth-straight clean sheet. 

Kylian Mbappe’s 118th minute penalty in the World Cup final in December is the last time Emiliano Martínez’s goal has been breached. 

Yet, amidst the raft of impressive statistics to come from the game it was Messi who once again stole the headlines with his record-breaking performance. 

The 36-year-old’s pair of clinical finishes in the first-half at the Estadio Nacional took his tally in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying to 31, two more than his old Barcelona team-mate and friend Luis Suarez. 

The 36-year-old overtook his old Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez (right) to claim the record 

Messi made his first start for club or country in almost a month following injury and fatigue

The Uruguayan last featured for the national team against Ghana in Qatar and netted the last of his 68 international goals last March in a 2-0 qualifying win against Chile. 

Messi on the other hand, despite an issue that has kept him out of the starting line-up for club and country since September 20, continues to sparkle. 

The forward has been hotly tipped to win his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or later this month and he has had a transformative effect on his new club side Inter Miami and football in the US as a whole. 

Argentina, who are top of the South American qualification standings, resume their campaign next month when Messi will be looking to add yet more goals to his tally in mouthwatering fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil.