Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi secured the top scorer title in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the CONMEBOL zone after scoring a total of eight goals.
Messi was not fielded in Argentina's 0-1 defeat to Ecuador at the Estadio Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil on Wednesday.
Despite not playing, La Pulga still secured the top scorer list after his record failed to be overtaken by his two closest competitors, namely Colombian striker Luis Diaz and Bolivian striker Miguel Terceros, who each recorded seven goals.
Meanwhile, experienced Ecuadorian striker Salomon Rondon and Ecuadorian striker Enner Valencia made the top five after scoring six goals.
His status as the most productive player in the South American World Cup Qualifiers was the first achievement achieved by the Inter Miami player while defending the Tango team.
