Neymar scores 50th international goal as Brazil humiliate Messi's Argentina

11/11/2016

Neymar scored his 50th international goal as Brazil put three past arch-rivals Argentina in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match on Thursday. Five-time World Cup winners Brazil lead the table with 24 points followed by Uruguay (23), while Argentina currently lie outside the qualifying places.

Brazil recorded their fifth consecutive victory under new head coach Tite. Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho also scored in what was Neymar’s 74th international match to ensure a third defeat in 11 qualifying games for Lionel Messi-led Argentina.

Argentina began well with Messi looking particularly lively as he drew a tackle from Fernandinho that resulted in the Brazilian going into the referee’s book. In fact, Argentina created the first chance when Lucas Biglia tested Alisson from a distance.

Brazil took the lead through Coutinho. The Liverpool star picked the ball up on the left wing and easily went past City defender Nicolas Otamendi before unleashing a venomous shot into the top corner.

Neymar doubled the lead just before half time when the Brazil captain was put through on goal by Gabriel Jesus. The Barcelona striker made no mistake as he coolly put the ball past Sergio Romero.

Brazil continued to create chances on the counter and should have scored at least a couple more before Paulinho made it 3-0 from close range after a cross from Renato Augusto.

Neymar, 24, is closing in on Brazilian legend Romario, who has 55 goals from 70 games, and looks to be the biggest threat to Pele's record of 77 goals from 91 games.

Other 11th round results:

Colombia 0 - 0 Chile

Uruguay 2 - 1 Ecuador

Paraguay 1 - 4 Peru

Venezuela 5 - 0 Bolivia