Sunil Chhetri breaks Brazilian legend Pele’s international record in India’s 3-1 win over Maldives

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 14, 2021: Indian captain Sunil Chhetri broke legendary footballer Pele’s record during a match against the Maldives in the ongoing 2021 SAFF Championship on Wednesday.

Pele had 77 goals for Brazil, and Chhetri surpassed the Brazilian legend in the 62nd minute of the encounter against the Maldives.

Chhetri added another goal to his tally, bringing his total to 79 international goals. The Indian skipper is now the third highest active international goalscorer.

Lionel Messi (80) and Cristiano Ronaldo (115) are the two active international goal scorers who are ahead of Chhetri. The Indian skipper has also become the world’s joint sixth-highest goalscorer.

In the match, India defeated Maldives 3-1 on Wednesday to secure a spot in the 2021 SAFF Championship Final in Male, Maldives.

Manvir Singh scored the first goal, and Sunil Chhetri added two more in the second half to give India three points. The solitary goal for the hosts came from Maldives striker Ali Ashfaq, who scored from the penalty spot in the first half.

With this victory, India has secured a place in the 2021 SAFF Championship Final, which will be played on Saturday against Nepal.

Sunil Chhetri became the joint 6th highest goalscorer in the world.

Courtesy:India Today