Indian captain Sunil Chhetri added another feather to his illustrious cap as he overtook Argentina star Lionel Messi to become the second-highest active international goalscorer on Monday.
Chhetri achieved the feat when he struck a brace to help India defeat Bangladesh 2-0 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China Qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at Al Sadd Club in Doha. The 36-year-old Chhetri scored both his goals in the second half of the match as he netted the ball into the goalpost in the 79th and 92nd minutes.
Chhetri has now scored 74 goals, two more than Messi, and is only behind Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo (103) in the list of active footballers with the most international goals. Ali Mabkhout is third on the list having scored 73 goals.
As Chhetri’s masterclass powered India to a remarkable win, the iconic striker was lauded by fans and followers of the beautiful game on social media.
Active footballers with the most international goals:
Cristiano Ronaldo – 103 🇵🇹
SUNIL CHHETRI – 74 🇮🇳
Lionel Messi – 72 🇦🇷#SunilChhetri pic.twitter.com/lGwqln9hvC— Nikhil anand (@23nikhilanand) June 7, 2021
Saving our asses for years now. Put some respect to his name. He’s the greatest of all time, Sunil Chhetri!💙 pic.twitter.com/332a2KRkyt
— $HHendo Tanya (@Tanya_AFC) June 7, 2021
🤩 He’s now got more than Messi! Sunil Chhetri’s double earns the Blue Tigers a 2-0 win in #WCQ and moves him on to 74 international goals – above Lionel Messi and one off entering world football’s all-time top 10 🧗♂️@chetrisunil11 | @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/sCCd6BgS9H
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 7, 2021
All India Football Federation President Praful Patel congratulated Chhetri for becoming the second-highest active international goalscorer.
“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,” Praful tweeted.
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 pic.twitter.com/kzpgCQbXEp
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) June 7, 2021
Bangladesh football team coach Jamie Day lavished praise on India skipper Sunil Chhetri for grabbing chances with both hands on Monday.
India rode on Chhetri’s brace to beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 preliminary joint round qualification at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha on Monday.
With this win, India has risen to the third spot in Group E with six points from seven games.
Chhetri’s first goal was a properly-timed header from a left-sided cross while the other was an injury-time strike, as he curled home a finish from inside the penalty area.
India will next lock horns against Afghanistan in the Qualifiers on June 15. The side is already out of contention to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022, but the Blue Tigers can still qualify for AFC Asian Cup.
(With ANI Inputs)