Lionel Messi has moved level with Neymar near the top of the scoring chart as far as the FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament in Qatar is concerned after he found the back of the net during the big win over rivals Uruguay in favour of Argentina. Messi was one of the goalscorers as Argentina beat Uruguay 3-0 at home in a rescheduled matchday five clash to move a step closer to booking their place in Qatar.
Messi scored the first goal of the game after 38 minutes. Argentina then made it two goals in six first half minutes when the Copa America champions scored a second goal through Rodrigo De Paul. Atletico Madrid midfielder De Paul doubled the lead for his country with one minute left in the first half. Argentina were the better team against the Uruguayans and they made sure of the points thanks to a Lautaro Martinez strike on 62 minutes.
The big win over Uruguay ensured that Brazil are now six points ahead of Argentina at the top of the standings as far as the South American region is concerned as teams jostle to book a place at the tournament in Qatar next year. On their part, Brazil lost their perfect record in the qualifiers when they played out a goalless draw with hosts Colombia.
Messi took his tally to six goals in the qualifiers to move him level with Neymar. PSG star Neymar was unable to add to his six goals during the Colombia game. The matchup between hosts Colombia and Brazil was one of the five rescheduled matchday five games played on Sunday.
Neymar and Messi are two goals off the leading goalscorer in the South American section of the World Cup qualifiers. Bolivia striker Marcelo Moreno is the leading goalscorer in the South American region with eight goals.