Top 5 South American goalscorers in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

#3 Marcelo Martins Moreno (Bolivia) - 22 goals

Marcelo Moreno is going strong for Bolivia.

Marcelo Moreno has scored a lot of goals in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, he is not much of a well-known name outside his native country, as his only spells in Europe's top-five leagues came with Werder Bremen and Wigan Athletic.

Nevertheless, the 34-year-old has been a star performer for Bolivia - with 22 of his 30 goals coming in World Cup qualifiers. Ten of those goals have come in the ongoing 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Moreno is three ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Lautaro Martinez in the scoring charts.

Despite Moreno's exploits, Bolivia are unlikely to make the trip to Qatar. With just two games to go, La Verde trail fifth-placed Peru by six points and a massive goal difference to make up.

---

#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 27 goals

Lionel Messi has had a legendary career.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players to have graced the game.

The PSG attacker is set for a fifth appearance at the World Cup after starring with seven goals in the Albiceleste's successful 2022 qualification campaign. He had netted 20 in four previous qualification campaigns; Messi did not score in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, but has netted in each of his next four campaigns.

With 80 goals, Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer. However, only six of those strikes have come in the World Cup finals. That's something he would like to improve on as the 34-year-old seeks to end La Albiceleste's 36-year wait for the big title.

---

#1 Luis Suarez (Uruguay) - 28 goals

Luis Suarez is Uruguay's all-time top scorer.

Luis Suarez is one of the most prolific strikers in the game at the moment. Although age seems to be catching up with the 35-year-old Atletico Madrid attacker, Suarez remains a force to be reckoned with, especially in international football.

With 68 goals, he is Uruguay's all-time top scorer. That includes seven strikes in La Celeste's ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification campaign. With his latest strike against Venezuela, a game Uruguay won 4-1, Suarez broke a tie with his good friend Messi to become the most prolific scorer in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Currently fourth in the standings, the two-time World Cup winners are on course to appearing in Qatar this year.