'Individual achievement is just a consequence' - Mexico great Chicharito applauds Raúl Jiménez as he closes in on goal-scoring record for El Tri

Raúl Jiménez is 14 goals away from becoming the all-time top scorer for the Mexican national team. If he achieves this, he will take the title away from Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández, who has 52 goals with El Tri - and actually says he hopes his record is broken as soon as possible because "that means we are progressing."

The "Lobo de Tepejí" has scored 40 goals for the national team, although FIFA only recognizes 39.

"I would take it with a lot of joy and motivation," the striker told ESPN. "In fact, I’d be more saddened if my record lasted 15, 20, or 30 years. That would be concerning. I’d be happy, like when I talked with Jared (Borgetti). In the end, records are meant to be broken and enjoyed, however they come."

"Let them keep coming, and if Raúl breaks it, let someone else break it after him. That individual achievement is just a consequence; what matters most is Mexican football and that the national team grows and starts winning international titles. That's what we all want."

Jiménez has 39 goals in 109 matches, making him the third-highest scorer in Mexico history. He trails Borgetti, who has 46 goals, and would then be aiming for Hernández’s record of 52 goals in 109 appearances.

Mexico has a packed schedule of matches in 2025, starting with two friendlies in June as preparation for the Gold Cup. After the tournament, El Tri will play additional matches in September, October, and November. That gives Jiménez plenty of opportunities to surpass Hernández’s record.

"Records are meant to be broken... how cool? I broke Jared Borgetti's record. I think it lasted longer than Raúl's, but in the end, believe me, if I stop being the all-time top scorer for the national team and Raúl becomes that, nobody will take away what I’ve already lived or achieved," he said. "It would be very sad if I were the top scorer for the Mexican National Team for 80 years or more, it would really be sad.

"On the contrary, I want it to happen quickly, and then if Raúl gets it, and quickly someone else breaks it. That means the country is growing, that things are going well for the country. In the end, I’m healed, happy with what I do. I have the career I have. I’m not what a lot of people think and believe, I know what I’ve lived and I know what I am. I always try to see the good for my country, always participate, and collaborate in every way possible."

El Tri will face Switzerland on June 7 at the University of Utah's stadium, and then take on Turkey on June 10 at Kenan Stadium in North Carolina. Both matches will serve as preparation for the Gold Cup.