(VIDEO) The legendary Indian forward did not hold back tears in the last match of his career
Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
Today's match against Kuwait (0-0) in the second round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers held special significance for the Indian national team. This match marked the retirement of the legendary Asian football striker, Sunil Chhetri.
Chhetri is the leading goalscorer in the history of the Indian national team and one of the most prolific in international football history. In 150 appearances for the national team, he has netted 94 goals, a feat matched only by Lionel Messi, Ali Daei, and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of international goals scored.
His last club in his career was Bengaluru. He also had stints with Mumbai City, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo, and beyond India with Sporting Kansas City and Sporting Lisbon.
After the final whistle, the Indian national team players formed a guard of honor for Chhetri, and the striker couldn't hold back his tears.
India currently holds the second position in the group after 5 rounds, with 5 points. Kuwait trails behind based on additional criteria. In the final match of the second stage, India will face the group leader Qatar, while Kuwait will play against the underdog Afghanistan.
