Sunil Chhetri becomes the joint fifth highest goalscorer in international football history

The record fell into Chhetri's lap during their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match against Hong Kong on Tuesday, where he secured his 84th goal. His goal tally has now equalled that of Real Madrid and Hungarian player Ferenc Puskas' international. In October 2021, Chhetri had crossed football star Pele's record of 77 goals. The Indian is now third-ranked among international goal-scoring players in football, behind Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi. 

Sunil Chhetri has joined fifth-ranked Ferenc Puskas with 84 goals for India. In their match against Hong Kong, India finished their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata. They clinched a memorable 4-0 win over Hong Kong in the final game of Group D. The goals from the Indian side are credited to Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh and Ishan Pandita. They have won three consecutive games in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers having beaten Cambodia and Afghanistan earlier. 

Sunil Chhetri wants to enjoy himself and not run after records

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri has been the pillar of Indian football for more than a decade now. He scored his fourth goal in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in order to equalise Hungary's Ferenc Puskas' record of 84 goals. Chhetri now holds an honorable name that shares a spot with two iconic players in the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the all-time active top scorers list. The 37-year-old Indian captain scored his 84th goal for the Blue Tigers after defender Suresh was fouled outside the box and India received a free kick. 

Jeakson Singh made a pass inside the box and Chhetri converted it effortlessly while the Hong Kong goalkeeper stood helpless. After the match ended, Sunil Chhetri remarked that it felt good but he has to continue with his game. The Indian star does not care about records and wanted to enjoy himself as he moved toward his last moments on the pitch. At 37, he is at the twilight phase of his career and might decide to quit football. 

However, the consistency in his performances hints at the opposite. His game hasn't slowed down and he could continue playing the sport for a few more years. However, fans want to know the exact time of his possible retirement. Chhetri has given a cryptic warning that implies he could retire after any game now. So any game he plays in the coming future could be a full stop to his career.