'Now that Ronaldo has this record, it has more value': Guatemalan icon Ruiz

For nearly a decade, Carlos Ruiz stood alone atop the mountain of FIFA World Cup qualifying scorers. With 39 goals in 47 matches, the Guatemalan icon known as El Pescadito held the record until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it.

"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," Ruiz told FIFA in an interview. 

"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?" added the 46-year-old.

Ruiz's prolific run spanned five qualifying campaigns between 2002 and 2018. Yet for all his personal achievements, the former LA Galaxy striker's deepest wish remains unfulfilled: to see Guatemala reach a World Cup.

That dream, however, feels closer than ever. Under Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena, Guatemala sit third in Group A of Concacaf's third round -- just a point behind leaders Suriname and Panama. With both opponents visiting in November, two home wins could seal an historic ticket to the 2026 finals.

"If Guatemala reach the World Cup, it will bring an economic and emotional boost," he said. "We need to invest in youth, infrastructure, and start exporting talent. That's how we grow."