Guatemala hero Carlos Ruiz makes feelings clear about Cristiano Ronaldo breaking his record for most goals in World Cup qualifying games

Guatemala hero Carlos Ruiz has said that he is proud that Cristiano Ronaldo chased his record and eventually broke it. The former striker held the record for the most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with 39 in 47 games, before the Portuguese superstar broke it earlier this month.

Speaking to FIFA, Ruiz admitted that the record was one most fans did not know about until Ronaldo broke it. However, he is proud that the Portuguese superstar and Lionel Messi chased in their career and said:

"I think previously Ali Daei had the record, I don't know for how many years, because it's a record that many people don't know about. The recognition of being the all-time goalscoring leader in World Cup qualifying depends on who has it."

"Obviously now that Cristiano Ronaldo has this record, it has a lot more value than, say, Ali Daei or Carlos Ruiz, no? But I am proud for having been No1 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?"

The Guatemala legend was asked if his country would make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he was confident that they would win their upcoming matches. He said:

"I don’t have any doubt. 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 surprise in a good way. They are two tough matches and we have to win no matter what."

Guatemala have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup and their upcoming qualifiers are against Panama and Suriname, both sides who are sitting above them in the group table.

Cristiano Ronaldo proud to break Carlos Ruiz's record with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo commented on breaking Carlos Ruiz's record earlier this month, admitting he was proud to do so with Portugal. He added that the national team meant a lot to him and posted on Instagram:

"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. Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. See you in November to seal the qualification for the World Cup!"

Cristiano Ronaldo now has 143 goals in 223 caps for Portugal, with 41 of the goals coming in 50 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.