Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez equal impressive Ronaldo record in World Cup qualifiers

Not a month goes by without one of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez making waves in the sport with their record-breaking exploits. The two Barcelona legends are both in the limelight this time with their goals against Ecuador and Chile in the World Cup qualifiers.

The two prolific forwards matched Brazilian great Ronaldo's record with their goals this week. The legendary striker scored 39 goals in competitive matches during his international career and set a record for the highest number of successful strikes by a South American national in official fixtures.

39 - Tonight, both 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi and 🇺🇾 Luis Suárez have equalled 🇧🇷 Ronaldo's record for most goals scored for a South American national team in competitive matches (39 goals each). Beasts. pic.twitter.com/Yl2OE7tNQL

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) October 9, 2020

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both on the scoresheet from the spot for their countries as Argentina and Uruguay recorded important victories in difficult fixtures in the World Cup qualifiers. The two superstars have reinvented themselves in the past year and will want to lead their sides to a place in the 2022 World Cup.

Lionel Messi, in particular, has been the focal point of the Argentina national team for the past several years. The Barcelona captain has taken on a more creative role in recent seasons and will play an important part in Argentina's qualification campaign.

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Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez break yet another record

Messi is Argentina's talisman

Argentina started their World Cup qualification campaign with a hard-fought victory against Ecuador earlier this week. Ecuador are known for their robust defence and Lionel Scaloni's men put in a tremendous performance to win the fixture.

Argentina took the lead with an early Lionel Messi penalty but struggled to break down a determined Ecuador side. Lautaro Martinez and Lucas Ocampos did have their moments as Lionel Messi created two chances on the night.

Argentina face Bolivia in their next game and will hope to put in an improved attacking performance. Lionel Messi is still well below his best form and will want to hit his peak ahead of a difficult schedule.

🏆 #Eliminatorias⏱ 30' PT ⚽ @Argentina 🇦🇷 1 (Lionel Messi) 🆚 #Ecuador 🇪🇨 0 pic.twitter.com/6BmnKtzwVi

— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) October 9, 2020

Uruguay, on the other hand, faced a significantly more dangerous opponent in Chile and had to rely on a stoppage-time winner to clinch the game. La Celeste did dominate parts of the game and will want to defeat Ecuador next week.

Luis Suarez also got himself on the scoresheet with a first-half penalty to draw level with Lionel Messi and Ronaldo in terms of goals scored in competitive international matches. Chile striker Alexis Sanchez drew his side level with a goal in the second half.

The game looked set to end in a stalemate before Maxi Gomez decided to take matters into his own hands and scored a late winner to give Uruguay a crucial victory. Both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reached personal milestones this week and will hope to take their teams to new heights in the coming months.

Suarez is an important player for Uruguay

Lionel Messi was forced to stay at Barcelona this season but has enjoyed a positive start to his season under Ronald Koeman. The Catalans have several difficult fixtures in the coming weeks and will rely heavily on Lionel Messi as the club descends into a phase of transition.

Luis Suarez, on the other hand, enjoyed an excellent start to his Atletico Madrid career under Diego Simeone but will want to improve as the season progresses to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title.

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