Sunil Chhetri, Messi, & Ronaldo: Who Has Scored More International Goals? Check Here

Sunil Chhetri, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are three of the most prolific goal-scorers in international men's football. 

Chhetri, the talismanic captain of the Indian national team, has been a cornerstone of Indian football since his debut in 2005. Over nearly two decades, he has amassed 94 goals in 150 appearances, making him India's all-time top scorer and most-capped player.

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers, has had a remarkable international career with Argentina. Since his debut in 2005, Messi has earned 189 caps and scored 112 goals, leading Argentina to victories in the Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward from Portugal, has set numerous records on the international stage. Since his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has made 216 appearances and scored 135 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Iran's Ali Daei.

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List of Top International Goal Scorers in Men’s Football

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a consistent goal-scorer for Portugal since his international debut in 2003, boasting an impressive 10 hat tricks—the most in international football. 

Messi, with 112 international goals, ranks second on the all-time top goal-scorers list, trailing only Ronaldo. Meanwhile, India’s football icon, Sunil Chhetri, holds the fourth spot in the all-time international goal-scoring charts. 

Chhetri has been instrumental in shaping India’s football journey over the past decade, cementing his legacy as one of the nation's greatest sporting figures. 

Historical greats are also featured on this prestigious list. Iran’s Ali Daei, the first player to reach 100 international goals, and Hungary’s Ferenc Puskás, who netted 84 goals in just 89 matches, remain legendary names in football history.

Top 5 International Goal Scorers in Men's Football History

International football has witnessed several prolific goal-scorers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Here's an in-depth look at the top five players leading the all-time international goal-scoring charts:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 135 Goals

Source: UEFA.com

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's iconic forward, holds the record for the most international goals in men's football. Since his debut on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, Ronaldo has amassed 135 goals in 217 appearances. 

His first international goal came during the UEFA Euro 2004 group stage match against Greece. Over his illustrious career, he has achieved numerous milestones, including scoring ten international hat-tricks and, on two occasions, netting four goals in a single match. 

Beyond international play, Ronaldo is also the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 140 goals, and he holds records for the most goals in the UEFA European Championship (14) and the FIFA Club World Cup (7). 

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina): 112 Goals

Source: FIFpro

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi stands second on the all-time international goal-scoring list. Since his international debut in 2005, Messi has netted 112 goals in 191 matches. 

His vision, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring prowess have been instrumental in Argentina's successes, including their Copa America victory and the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. 

Messi's leadership and exceptional talent have not only brought glory to his national team but have also inspired countless aspiring footballers worldwide.

3. Ali Daei (Iran) – 108 Goals

Source: The Times of Israel

Ali Daei, a legendary figure in Asian football, was the first player to surpass the 100-goal mark in international matches. 

Representing Iran from 1993 to 2006, Daei scored 108 goals in 148 appearances, showcasing exceptional striking abilities that made him a formidable opponent. His contributions have left a lasting legacy in Iranian football, inspiring future generations of players in the region.

4. Sunil Chhetri (India) – 94 Goals

Source: Matrubhumi English

Sunil Chhetri, the talismanic captain of the Indian national team, has been a pivotal figure in elevating Indian football on the global stage. 

Since his debut in 2005, Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 151 appearances, making him one of the most prolific scorers in international football. 

His dedication and passion have not only led India to numerous victories but have also inspired a new generation of football enthusiasts in the country.

5. Mokhtar Dahari (Malaysia) – 89 Goals

Source: MyHomeTown

Mokhtar Dahari, affectionately known as "Super Mokh," was a Malaysian football legend renowned for his goal-scoring prowess. 

During his international career from 1972 to 1985, Dahari netted 89 goals in 142 matches, leading Malaysia to numerous regional successes and cementing his legacy as one of Asia's greatest forwards.  His contributions have had a lasting impact on Malaysian football, inspiring future generations of players.

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