It is no longer news that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have left European soccer. Indeed, the world is shocked as the two great soccer stars leave behind a huge legacy in European soccer history. Regardless, the most controversial topic that still remains is who’s the better player: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

This is a debate that will never have a favorable answer. However, in the current soccer era, where scoring goals receives the most favoritism, there’s one more soccer star who shouldn’t be forgotten. India’s star forward Sunil Chhetri has once again gained the spotlight after he closed in on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s tally of international goals.

Sunil Chhetri closes in on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s international goal tally

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the most decorated soccer players ever. They have won a combined 76 major trophies (Messi 42, Ronaldo 34). Not to mention, both soccer stars own seven and five Ballon d’Or (the most prestigious and valuable individual award), respectively.

Indeed, Ronaldo and Messi are the most admired players for holding so many records in soccer history. Hence, surpassing these two always becomes an outrageous statement for any athlete. However, the Indian Captain, Sunil Chhetri, has several times shared the spotlight with Messi and Ronaldo.

Chhetri is one of the most talented soccer stars who will be remembered for decades for all his achievements. The 38-year-old goal machine is currently the third-highest scorer of international goals among active players. A few days back, Chhetri led the Indian football team to win its ninth South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFF) title.

Furthermore, he managed to close in on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s tally of international goals. Chhetri has now scored 93 international goals and is the fourth-highest scorer in the history of international football. He’s just below the two soccer legends, Ronaldo and Messi, ranking third on the active scorers’ list.

Ronaldo ranks at the top with 123 goals while Messi comes second with 103 goals to his name. Messi and Ronaldo are one of the greatest soccer players with numerous records and achievements that will go down in history.

WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer with Unbridled Joy

Despite the 100th spot in the FIFA ranking, Sunil Chhetri has been the face of soccer in cricket-crazy India. Therefore, it’s impressive for any player to stand close to these two legends. Do you think Chhetri is in the same league as Messi and Ronaldo? Let us know in the comments.