Indian striker Sunil Chhetri on Sunday became the second highest international goal-scorer among st those actively involved in the game, surpassing none other than Argentine superstar Lionel Messi following his 66th strike during the opening clash of the AFC Asian Cup against Thailand.
Chhetri, who had previously accumulated 65 goals before the clash, handed India a well-deserved lead in the 27th minute. The 34-year-old striker calmly converted a penalty which had been handed following a hand-ball by Thai defender Theerathon to reach the milestone.
8⃣5⃣ @Cristiano 🇵🇹
6⃣6⃣ @chetrisunil11 🇮🇳
6⃣5⃣ @TeamMessi 🇦🇷Sunil Chhetri scores his 66th with India to overtake Lionel Messi becoming the active player with the 2nd most international goals 👏 pic.twitter.com/4EaDP8IeqK
— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 6, 2019
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Chhetri, who has been a vital contributor for India in international clashes, currently trails Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored 85 goals.
The striker also enjoys the unique distinction of being the second Indian to have featured in 100 international matches after Bhaichung Bhutia. However, the 34-year-old has refused to draw comparisons between him and footballing superstars like Ronaldo and Messi in the past, hailing them as “bigger stars”.
“It’s unfair to compare myself with Messi and Cristiano. I am a big fan of both. They are much bigger stars. I just want to score as many goals as possible for my country,” said Chhetri.
