**Guatemala Hero Carlos Ruiz Proud as Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks His World Cup Qualifiers Goal Record**
Guatemalan football legend Carlos Ruiz has expressed pride that Cristiano Ronaldo pursued and eventually broke his record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The former striker held the record with 39 goals in 47 games before the Portuguese superstar surpassed it earlier this month.
Speaking to FIFA, Ruiz admitted that his record was relatively unknown among fans until Ronaldo broke it. Nevertheless, he appreciates that two of football’s greatest players — Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi — challenged his milestone throughout their careers.
“I think previously Ali Daei held the record, though I don’t know for how many years, because it’s a record that many people don’t know about,” Ruiz said. “The recognition of being the all-time goalscoring leader in World Cup qualifying depends on who holds it.”
He added: “Obviously, now that Cristiano Ronaldo has this record, it has a lot more value than, say, Ali Daei or Carlos Ruiz, right? But I am proud to have been No. 1 for nine years, and that two of football’s giants, Cristiano and Lionel Messi, were pursuing my record. To be in the middle of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi isn’t so bad, right?”
When asked about Guatemala’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ruiz expressed confidence in his national team’s upcoming matches.
“I don’t have any doubt,” he said. “It’s true that none of the teams in the group have won at home, but it’s all there to be able to win those two matches. We face a Panama team that was destined to be one of the best teams in CONCACAF but has surprisingly been below their level, and then we play Suriname, who have been a pleasant surprise. They are two tough matches and we have to win no matter what.”
Guatemala has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Their upcoming qualifiers pit them against Panama and Suriname, both currently sitting above Guatemala in the group standings.
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**Cristiano Ronaldo Proud to Break Carlos Ruiz’s Record**
Cristiano Ronaldo also shared his thoughts on surpassing Ruiz’s record earlier this month, expressing pride in achieving the milestone for Portugal.
“It is no secret that representing the National Team means a lot to me, and that is why I am very proud to have reached this unique milestone for Portugal,” Ronaldo said in an Instagram post. “Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. See you in November to seal the qualification for the World Cup!”
To date, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal, with 41 of those goals coming in 50 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-guatemala-hero-carlos-ruiz-makes-feelings-clear-cristiano-ronaldo-breaking-record-goals-world-cup-qualifying-games