India's inspiration eclipses Messi

Chhetri's landmark strikes stun Thais in Asian opener

ABU DHABI - Sunil Chhetri overtook Lionel Messi in international goals as India stunned Thailand 4-1 at the Asian Cup on Sunday, the veteran striker scoring twice in its Group A opener to surpass the Barcelona superstar.

Watched by the 12 Thai schoolboys rescued from a flooded jungle cave last year after being trapped for more than two weeks, the War Elephants had little answer to India's brimming energy in Abu Dhabi.