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The first international break of the 2021-22 campaign was a good one. In the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers Argentina and Brazil ended up winning both of their games.
The much-awaited clash between the two teams was postponed due to intervention from medical officials. But overall players like Neymar and Lionel Messi impressed with their performances for the national teams in the international break.
PSG teammates Neymar and Lionel Messi wrap up international break in style
Brazil maintained a 100% record in the World Cup qualifiers and Neymar was the driving force behind their winning run. Meanwhile Lionel Messi also hit top form in the international break and broke Pele's record of most international goals for a South American player (77).
As club action resumes over the weekend, here we take a look at the 5 best South American players from the international break.
#5 Pervis Estupinan | Ecuador
Ecuador headed into the international break as the third-placed side in the World Cup qualifiers, behind Brazil and Argentina, much to everyone's surprise. But they lost that place to Uruguay, who recorded two wins in their three games in September.
One of the most impressive players from La Tri's September campaign was left-back Pervis Estupinan. The 23-year-old full-back leads the way in tackles won and interceptions in qualifying fixtures and had a huge role in Ecuador's two clean sheets this month.
He also picked up an assist for Felix Torres' 88th-minute goal against Venezuela. A game which ended in a 2-0 win with La Tri scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of injury time.
#4 Angel Romero | Paraguay
Angel Romero has been in great form for Paraguay in the World Cup qualifying fixtures. Though he failed to find the back of the net in September's international break, he did pick up three assists for all three of Venezuela's goals this month. This took them to a draw and a win from three games.
The 29-year old winger also offered a great attacking threat and has scored four goals in the qualifying campaign for Paraguay. It is expected that he can add to his goals and assists tally in the upcoming international break in October.
Also See: Top 10 football players with the most fans in the world
#3 Giorgian de Arrascaeta | Uruguay
Uruguay were without two of their best players in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani for the international break. La Celeste's attacking play has been their biggest strength in recent years and with the two of their biggest attacking threats ruled out for World Cup qualifiers, they were expected to struggle here.
Fortunately, their No.10, Giorgian de Arrascaeta was in good touch for the games and ended the September international break with three goals to his name. Thanks to his form and finishing skills, Uruguay were able to leapfrog Ecuador in the qualifying table. They are currently third behind Brazil and Argentina with 15 points.
#2 Lionel Messi | Argentina
Lionel Messi had a slow start to his World Cup qualifying campaign in the September international break. After drawing a blank in the game against Venezuela, he was expected to step up against Brazil, only for the highly anticipated clash to be suspended just 10 minutes after kickoff.
In the final game of the international break, he had one of the best outings in the national colours. He ran the show as he scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Bolivia.
The three goals took his tally for goals with Argentina to 79 goals. This made him the all-time South American top-scorer ahead of Pele, who had 77 goals to his name.
#1 Neymar | Brazil
Neymar and Brazil could only play two games this month and the game against Argentina was postponed but he impressed in both outings. He was the standout player for Selecao, who have a 100% record in the qualifying fixtures at the moment.
Neymar's one goal and one assist in the international break do not sound that impressive. But he worked harder than anyone else on the pitch and was always running up and down the flank to create goalscoring chances for his team.
He single-handedly orchestrated the win over Peru on the final day of the international break. He provided an assist for Everton Rebeiro's opener and then getting himself on the scoresheet as well.
Neymar has been in great form for the last couple of years. If he is spared from injury, we can definitely expect him to lead PSG to Ligue 1 glory and even UCL glory with his Messi this season.
Also See: Top 5 national teams with the most fans in the world
