World Cup all-time goal scorer: Who is the World Cup’s best target man?
Football![World Cup all-time goal scorer: Who is the World Cup’s best target man?](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/880de0c8c8c98b08.webp?v=1)
Lionel Messi and Neymar are currently South America's all-time leading goal-scorers following their respective heroics recently.
The two football stars have been impressive during the ongoing international break with their respective countries.
On September 7, Messi was the man of the moment as he netted a stunning free kick to help Argentina down a stubborn Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier.
According to talkSport, the Inter Miami ace showed no signs of slowing down as he stepped up to curl home a trademark goal to earn Argentina a vital 1-0 win.
That score took Messi's tally for La Albiceleste to 104, making him South America's all-time leading goal-scorer.
World Cup all-time goal scorer: Who is the World Cup’s best target man?
FootballOn his part, Neymar Jr., who recently moved to Saudi Arabia, was equally in good shape for Brazil and netted a brace against Bolivia on September 9 in another World Cup qualifier.
The Al-Hilal acquisition's double saw him shatter Pele's goal record for the Samba Boys, placing him behind Messi in the list of South America's highest goal-scorers in history, per ESPN.
Sports Brief now takes a look at the top eight all-time top scorers in South America:
Diego Maradona is one of the greatest footballers in the history of Argentina and the world. He is widely regarded as an icon for his country and is widely remembered for his exceptional skills. He represented La Albiceleste between 1977 to 1994, scoring 34 goals in the process.
Zico, whose full name is Arthur Antunes Coimbra, enjoyed an illustrious career with Brazil between 1976 to 1988. He earned 71 caps with the national team, scoring 48 goals for them.
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FootballBatistuta is an Argentina football legend celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess. He featured in three FIFA World Cups during his illustrious career with the team, scoring 54 goals in the iconic white and sky blue shirt.
Romário, whose full name is Romário de Souza Faria, made a name for himself for his incredible goal-scoring ability. He scored a total of 55 goals for Brazil, making him one of the top scorers in the history of the country.
Ronaldo had a remarkable international career with Brazil that saw him appear in four World Cups. He scored 62 official goals for the country.
Pele held Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer for decades before Neymar recently shattered it. The Santos legend scored 77 goals for the Samba Boys.
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FootballThe former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star is currently Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer. He took his goal tally for his country to 79 after his brace over the weekend and is certain to add more over the next few years.
The Barcelona legend has inked his name in history books in every aspect. With a record seven Ballon d'Or awards to his name, Messi also boasts the record for the most goals scored by any player in South America.
Sports Brief also reported on Neymar surpassing Brazilian legend Pele with his brace against Bolivia.
He joined former teammates, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi as top scorers for their respective nations.