Carlos Ruiz Sends Powerful Message to Guatemalan National Team Ahead of Gold Cup Quarter-Final

Houston, Texas – Guatemalan football icon Carlos Ruiz has delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement to the national team as they prepare for their decisive Gold Cup 2025 quarter-final clash against Guadeloupe. The match is set to take place today, June 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM local time in Houston. Ruiz, known as "El Pescadito," utilized an Instagram live broadcast to convey his support, urging the players to demonstrate their unwavering personality, character, and identity on the field. "We are not perfect, but personality, character, and identity are not negotiable," Ruiz stated firmly. He expressed confidence that the team would deliver an improved performance compared to their last match against Panama. Highlighting the importance of fan support, Ruiz also acknowledged the vibrant Guatemalan community in the United States. "The United States is our second home. I loved playing there. There is a lot of pressure, it's true, but also great support. The national team should know that they are backed by their people," he added. A victory for Guatemala would secure their place in the next round of the tournament, marking a significant milestone in the team's ongoing development and confirming their potential to "make history," as Ruiz emphasized.