Staff Reporter.
Neymar moved to within nine goals of Pele’s all-time scoring record as Brazil eased past Peru to earn a second win at the Copa America.
The hosts led early on when Juventus’ Alex Sandro fired in from six yards.
After half-time, Neymar notched his 68th goal for his country; Pele later saying he was “rooting” for the Paris St-Germain striker to break his record.
Substitutes Everton Ribeiro and Richarlison added late goals to send Brazil top of Group B with two wins.
Brazil manager Tite has now seen his side score seven goals without reply following their opening 3-0 win over Venezuela as they set about defending the Copa America title they won in 2019.
Neymar sits above former striker Ronaldo in the country’s all-time scoring records.
“These numbers are nothing compared to the happiness that I get from representing my country and my family,” Neymar said.
“It’s obviously a great honour for me to be part of the Brazil team’s history. To be completely honest, my dream was always to play for Brazil, to wear this shirt. I never imagined I would reach these numbers.”
Pele later wrote on Instagram: “Today, he took another step towards my goalscoring record for the national team.
“And I’m rooting for him to get there, with the same joy I’ve had since I saw him play for the first time.”
Brazil, who lead their group with six points, play second-placed Colombia next on June 23 and finish out their campaign against Ecuador four days later with four of the five teams in each group advancing to the knockout rounds.