Sunil Chhetri surpasses Messi, stuns world football

XtraTime Web Desk: Indian football team’s star forward Sunil Chhetri on Sunday surpassed Argentine sensation Lionel Messi to become the second highest international goal-scorer amongst those currently playing the game. The record breaking goal came in the opening clash of the AFC Asian Cup against Thailand.

Chhetri had 65 international goals ahead of the AFC Asian Cup and his 27th minute goal of the opening clash helped him to surpass Messi. The 34-year-old veteran forward calmly took the penalty which was awarded to India after a hand-ball by opponent defender Theerathon to reach the milestone.

Chhetri has been a vital contributor for India in international clashes and has only Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo with 85 international goals ahead of him.

He is also 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.