Sunil Chhetri, the icon of Indian football, has surpassed Lionel Messi of Argentina to become the second-highest active international goal-scorer with 74 goals, adding another feather to his storied career.
With his brace against Bangladesh in the combined preliminary qualifying round match for FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 here on Monday night, the 36-year-old Chhetri completed the incredible achievement.
The seasoned striker, who helped India win their first World Cup qualifier in six years, is now second only to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (103) in terms of current international goal scorers.
Chhetri is two goals ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and a position ahead of Ali Mabkhout of the United Arab Emirates, who is third on the list with 73 goals.
Last Thursday, Messi scored his 72nd international goal against Chile in a World Cup qualifier, while Mabkhout added to his total against Malaysia.
Chhetri broke the deadlock in the 79th minute at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, heading in Ashique Kuruniyan’s cross from the left, and then clinched the victory in additional time by curling in a long-range goal.
“Our @IndianFootball skipper Sunil Chhetri adds another feather to his illustrious cap as he overtook Lionel Messi to become the second-highest active international goalscorer with 74 goals.
“A big congratulations to Captain Fantastic & wishing him many more accolades in the future,” Patel tweeted.
The AIFF boss also praised the team on the convincing win that was built on Chhetri’s brilliance.
“Congratulations #BlueTigers on an awesome win over Bangladesh today & fabulous performance by skipper @chetrisunil11 who lead from the front & paved the path to victory.
“Your hard work and determination was visible on the field. Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming game!”
Chhetri’s twin strikes meant India registered their first win in what was turning out to be a forgettable World Cup qualifying campaign in many years. It was also India’s first victory in World Cup qualifiers away from home in 20 years.
With the win, India rose to the third spot in Group E with six points from seven games. India will next lock horns against Afghanistan in the qualifiers on 15 June.
The side is already out of contention to qualify for World Cup 2022, but the Blue Tigers can still make it to the Asian Cup in China.
