Messi lowers another Maradona record

Guatemala City (AFP): Lionel Messi surpassed Diego Maradona in the all-time international goal-scoring charts for Argentina with a hat-trick in a 4-0 thrashing of Guatemala. The Barcelona superstar found the net in the 14th, 40th and 48th minutes to take his goals tally for Argentina to 35, one better than former captain and 1986 World Cup winner Maradona on 34. Messi's hat-trick came at the end of a troubled week which saw the four-time World Player of the Year and his father Jorge Horacio accused of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of more than four million euros ($5 million, �3.4 million).

Brazil down Japan Meanwhile, in Brasilia, Neymar ended a nine-game goalless run with a stunning first-half strike as Brazil defeated Japan 3-0. The newly signed Barcelona striker opened the scoring at Mane Garrincha Stadium by thumping a swerving first-time shot from outside the area into the top corner. Tottenham Hotspur and Roma doubled the lead just after halftime.