LONDON — It rained hat tricks in the European qualifiers at the weekend where Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and André Schürrle all helped themselves on duty for their national teams.

But the best and the most intriguing game was played a world away in the Copa América, where Lionel Messi led Argentina to a two-goal lead, only for Paraguay to fight back and gain a 2-2 tie.

In some ways, the results mirror the differences that have persisted for 100 years in men’s soccer. Europe and South America divide the world — still — in the way that soccer is played, despite the fact that the best Latin Americans invariably earn their fortunes playing for, and sometimes coaching, clubs in Europe.

Argentina’s goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, put his finger on the great divide when he said after the game against Paraguay: “South America is like that — no team ever gives you a gift in the Copa América.”