Chhetri's tally is now a total of 90 goals from 138 matches. Only former Iran footballer Ali Daei from the Asian region has more goals with 109 strikes in 148 matches.
Chettri eclipsed Mokhtar Dahari of Malaysia recently to become the fourth highest goal-scorer in international football.
Among the active players, Chhetri has the third-most goals by an international footballer. Only Messi (103 goals) and Cristiano Ronaldo (123 goals) are ahead of the Indian captain
In 2021, Chhetri became the first Indian footballer to win the Khel Ratna Aaward - the highest sporting honour in the country.
Chhetri was on the precipice of history as he signed a three-year contract with Queens Park Rangers in 2009. However, the deal could not go through because India was not in the top 70 of the FIFA World Rankings.
Chettri joined MLS club Kansas City Wizards in 2010, becoming the first Indian to play in the American league.