'Retiring as a legend': FIFA pay tribute to Chhetri with Messi, Ronaldo comparison

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Following Sunil Chhetri’s official announcement in which the striker announced that he will be playing his last game for India against Kuwait on June 6, many boards, teams and players have come out to pay tribute to the Indian captain's stellar career.

The official handle for the FIFA World Cup has posted a tribute for Chhetri as well which included the iconic photo of him standing with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on a podium, which signifies the top three active international goal scorers.

The picture was coupled with a caption, "Retiring as a legend".

"Sunil Chhetri, the world's third-highest active international goalscorer, will play his final game for Indian Football in next month's FIFA WorldCup qualifiers," added the official account for the FIFA World Cup on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The 39-year old played his 150th game for his country against Afghanistan last month. He has scored 94 goals so far in his international career with fans hoping he finds the back of the net at least one more time in the blue tigers jersey during the game vs Kuwait at Salt Lake Stadium.

FIFA World Cup’s official account also posted a video of Chhetri's previous interview in which he talked about the comparisons made between him, Messi and Ronaldo.

"Some of the fans go overboard and think about comparing (with Messi & Ronaldo) but there are footballing fans who understand there is no comparison between the kind of players that we are but I will definitely compete with them with all my might in terms of giving the best for your country. There I probably would not lose," Chhetri had said to FIFA +