A masterclass performance by Argentina saw Messi grab a hat-trick to break the record held by Pele for most goals by a South American.
The Albiceleste proved a handful for their visitors Bolivia, defeating them by a 3-0 margin.
It was a memorable night for not just Argentina but for Messi who finally broke the South America record for most goals by a player, a record which was held by Brazilian legend Pele, with 79 goals courtesy of a hat-trick.
Pele had held the record with a total of 77 goals for Brazil and Messi had only needed a goal to equal the record.
However, the Argentine blitzed through the game with a hat-trick to not only equal the record but to surpass it as well.
It is worthy of note that three-time World Cup winner Pele achieved his record in 92 games while Messi needed 153 games.
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After the match, an emotional Messi revealed it was a very proud moment for him and an achievement he had looked forward to.
“I really wanted to be able to enjoy it,” Messi said post-match. “I waited a long time for this, I looked for it and I dreamed of it. It’s a unique moment for the way it happened after so much waiting.
“There was no better way to celebrate this than to be here. My mother, my brothers are in the stands… They suffered a lot and today, they are here celebrating. I’m very happy.”
With his three goals against Bolivia, Messi also surpassed former team-mate Luis Suarez to become the highest-scoring player in CONMEBOL’s men’s World Cup qualifying.
He now has 26 career goals in qualifying, while the hat-trick also takes him to eight career goals against Bolivia in 11 games, making them the opponent he has been most prolific against with Argentina.
Messi recently led Argentina to Copa America glory, his first ever international silverware. Prior to the game, he admitted that the achievement was his hardest yet after having to feature in five different finals with Argentina before coming up with a trophy.
The Copa America trophy was shown off to fans in attendance on Thursday in Buenos Aires.
“I dreamed a lot about this day and thank God it came,” Messi posted on social media via his Instagram account.
“I have no words to thank you for all the love received. What a beautiful night, I really enjoyed it. Unforgettable.”
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