Messi now has 36 goals in South American World Cup qualifiers and remains as the all-time scoring leader. Luis Suarez is second on the list with 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from Uruguay’s national team. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22.

"Being able to finish this way here is what I've always dreamed of," Messi said. "I've experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it's always a joy