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Portuguese star Ronaldo leads the list with 135 strikes, followed by Argentine World Cup winner Messi with 112 goals for the Albiceleste. Iranian legend Ali Daei stands third with 108 goals, and former Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri scored 94 times for the Blue Tigers before…Read More
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ali Daei, Sunil Chhetri.
The year 2024 witnessed some thrilling football action with a swathe of goals being netted by players known and unknown for their sides across competitions as we pull the curtains on yet another eventful year which saw Spain lift the Euro 2024 trophy to become the most successful nation in the history of the continental competition. There was also a shuffle in the list of top international goal-scorers as Lionel Messi climbed above Ali Daei in the coveted list.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
The Portuguese talisman leads the record books for the most number of goals for a national side as the 39-year-old stands atop the scoring charts with 135 strikes for the Seleccao in his 215 outings for the country.
He helped his side secure the UEFA Euro in the year 2016 before he got his hands on another international title with Portugal’s UEFA Nations League 2018-19 victory.
Coming upon the twilight of his career, the forward would like to add as many strikes as he possibly can before he calls time on his career.
Lionel Messi:
The Argentine, who completed his illustrious trophy cabinet with the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy a couple of years back at Qatar 2022 with the Albiceleste, stands second on the list of goal-getters for country with 112 goals in his 191 appearances in the blue and white.
Messi was criticised for years for not being able to replicate his form with former club FC Barcelona on the international stage with Argentina, but all that scrutiny now looks like a distant fever dream as La Pulga has gone on to win the CONMEBOL Copa America in 2021 and defend the crown in the 2024 edition of the same. He also fulfilled his calling with the World Cup title as he clinched the Best Player of the Tournament award en route to the pinnacle of world football.
Messi will likely look to defend the World Cup in the Americas and is certain to add more to his goal tally as he enjoys a golden isn’t with his national side after years of suffering.
Ali Daei:
The Iranian striker, who stood atop the honour list before the duo of Messi and Ronaldo went past the 108-goal milestone, is one of the most celebrated names in the Middle Eastern region of the world.
He is known for his incredible heading ability and aerial prowess and was a flagbearer for the sport in his region.
Daei’s goal contributions aided Iran in clinching the ECO Cup in 1993 in addition to the 1998 Asia Games Gold Medal. His trophy cabinet also includes an AFC-OFC Challenge Cup title in addition to the WAFF Championships.
Sunil Chhetri:
The legendary Indian skipper, who called time on his glittery career earlier in the year, stands fourth on the list of illustrious names with 94 goals in 151 games for the Blie Tigers.
The former Indian captain has clinched the AFC Challenge Cup during his time in the famous national blue kit, while also managing to bag the SAFF Championship, Nehru Cup and the Intercontinental Cup multiple times.
The nation waited in anticipation of the moment the star forward would scale the triple-digit milestone, but he drew curtains on his iconic stint with the Blue Tigers.
The 40-year-old continues to ply his trade for Indian Super League outfit Bengaluru FC following the conclusion of his international chapter.
Mokhtar Dahari:
The Malaysian forward, who has a cult following in the nation of his origin, managed to map 89 goals in his storied career including 142 outings for the Harimau Malaya.
Fondly known as ‘Supermokh’ by his admirers, helped the Malayan Tigers to four Pestabola Merdeka titles and the King’s Cup twice. He also aided his side in securing SEA Games crown twice, while leading the team to a bronze medal at the Asian Games in 1974.
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