Neymar was at the top of his game as Brazil continued their perfect start to World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.
It would be fair to say that Neymar's career has been up and down since his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, but there can be no denying that 2020 is turning out to be a great year for him.
Neymar was in glittering form as PSG reached their first ever Champions League final and that very same form seems to have translated into some fantastic Brazil performances recently.
Peru 2-4 Brazil
In fact, the former Barcelona superstar was going viral left, right and centre for a display against Bolivia last week that was filled to the brim with stunning skills and dribbles.
However, Neymar went one better with his masterclass in the 4-2 win over Peru, which elevates his Brazil side to top of the 2022 World Cup qualifying table for South America after two games.
André Carrillo initially fired Peru into a six-minute lead on home soil, but the scores were level at half-time when Neymar impudently passed a penalty into the bottom corner.
Neymar hits a hat-trick
Nevertheless, Peru had yet another response as they regained the lead through Renato Tapia on 59 minutes, only to see Richarlison tap home from Robert Firmino's header to draw level again.
From that point onwards, though, Brazil's victory became the Neymar show as he helped himself to another penalty, before completing his hat-trick with a rebound from Éverton Ribeiro's miss.
It's the fourth time that Neymar has scooped the match ball in Brazil colours, replicating the feat he achieved against China in 2012 and South Africa and Japan in 2014.
Neymar surpasses Ronaldo
However, the most notable fact about Neymar's masterclass was that it elevated his international record to 64 goals in 103 caps, newly making him Brazil's second all-time top scorer.
In fact, Neymar drew level, overtook, then pulled clear of Ronaldo Nazario, who scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil, all within the space of smashing three past Peru.
To surpass one of the greatest players in history when you're 28 years-old, albeit with more caps, is a remarkable achievement and apt for what was a superb, all-round display from the PSG man.
Neymar's individual highlights
On that note, be sure to celebrate a historic day for Neymar by checking out his individual highlights, courtesy of Twitter user @LSComps, from the Peru victory down below:
GIVEMESPORT's Kobe Tong says
It's time we put some more respect on Neymar.
Yes, he always seems to be making headlines for the wrong reasons, is never far from the treatment table, probably shouldn't have left Barcelona and always, inexplicably never plays on his sister's birthday.
But we're talking about a man who, barring the complete collapse of his career, is on course to overtake Pele's long-standing total of 77 goals to become the greatest scorer in Brazilian history.
If that's not an achievement worth celebrating, I don't know what is and Neymar could well continue that form to surpass what Cristiano Ronaldo will likely post in his international career.
The Portuguese is on track to achieve number one status just eight goals behind Ali Daei, but Neymar has it well within his capabilities to go one step further with age on his side.
Regardless of how many appearances it took, you're worthy of praise for overtaking Ronaldo Nazario in any context, so hats off to you, Neymar.
