Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has made history for the Chile national team tonight by moving ahead of Marcelo Salas to become their all-time leading scorer on 38 goals.

The 28-year-old scuffed home a left-footed effort from close range after a woeful error by Gunners team-mate Shkodran Mustafi in the Germany defence to confirm his status as an all-time great for his country.

Sanchez has been a Chile international since all the way back in 2006, and managed his feat in his 111th appearance for the South American giants.

Sanchez’s goals have certainly contributed towards silverware at club level with a La Liga title and two FA Cup wins with Barcelona and Arsenal, respectively, and he’s also brought silverware to Chile with two Copa America victories.

Alexis Sanchez is Chile’s all-time leading scorer (Picture: Getty)

The Arsenal star will now be hoping he can add the Confederations Cup to that list as he gets Chile off to a great start against a youthful Germany side this evening.

It is worth noting that Eduardo Vargas is also still active for the Chile squad and is just four goals behind Sanchez in the all-time leading scorer ranks.

MORE : Man Utd boost as Bayern Munich lower Renato Sanches’ asking price

MORE : Juan Cuadrado wants Juve stay despite Arsenal interest