Watch Neymar Break Pele's Goal-Scoring Record As Brazil Thrash Bolivia
Neymar became the outright top scorer in the history of the Brazil men's national team on Friday.
The 31-year-old Al-Hilal star started the night level with Pele on 77 goals for Brazil but ended it on 79 after netting twice in a 5-1 win over Bolivia.
Neymar should have broken Pele's record in the 17th minute but he failed to convert a penalty kick past Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo then scored twice, either side of a strike from Barcelona playmaker Raphinha, before Neymar finally got on the scoresheet on 61 minutes.
Neymar slammed home a shot from 14 yards and was promptly mobbed by his adoring teammates.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain ace appeared to be overcome with emotion as he pointed upwards and blew a kiss to the sky in a gesture for Pele, who died in December.
Neymar looked emotional after breaking Pele's record as the leading scorer for the Brazil men's national team
IMAGO/Fotoarena/Filipe Bispo
Victor Abrego later scored a stunning consolation goal for Bolivia but Neymar had the final word with a neat volley to make it 5-1 in added time.
Neymar's second goal celebration of the game was much more chilled as he stuck out his tongue and mimed horns with his hands.
It has taken Neymar 125 games to score 79 goals for Brazil.
Neymar appeared to be in a more relaxed mood after scoring his second goal of the game
IMAGO/Xinhua/Lucio Tavora
Pele scored 77 goals in 92 international appearances, according to official records by FIFA.
However, this is disputed by the Brazilian Football Confederation, which claims that Pele actually scored 95 goals in 114 games for Brazil - but this includes exhibition matches against club sides.
Meanwhile, Marta remains Brazil's all-time top scorer at international level overall, having hit 115 goals in 175 matches for the women's national team.
