Javier Aguirre Delivers Stern Ultimatum to Mexico's Elite Players

The goalless stalemate between Mexico and Uruguay perfectly illustrated the growing rift between El Tri and their supporters. Following harsh criticism from Mexico's players regarding fan conduct at Estadio Corona, head coach Javier Aguirre responded by calling on his squad to build resilience.

Striker Raúl Jiménez delivered scathing remarks about Mexican supporters following the Uruguay stalemate, stating, "That's truly disappointing. Perhaps that explains why they consistently take us to the United States." El Tri skipper Edson Álvarez was also caught leaving the field with sarcastic comments, saying, "How wonderful it feels to play at home."

Supporters at Estadio Corona expressed their displeasure through boos and hostile chants directed at both players and coaching staff throughout the evening, triggering these responses. Before Mexico's encounter with Paraguay, Aguirre outlined his expectations for players when facing criticism and public scrutiny.

"Anyone who cannot handle criticism or isn't ready for public evaluation has no place here [on the national squad]," Aguirre stated. "That's my perspective on it."

"As I tell my squad, you might fool your coach, your family, your representative, the supporters, the press ... but you cannot [fool] yourself."

"We require emotional balance, we need resilience, we need composure. We must set an example for our supporters. We must represent them properly and serve as role models, both coaching staff and players alike."

What Triggered Mexican Supporters' Frustration in Mexico vs. Uruguay

The frustration among Mexican supporters during El Tri's stalemate with Uruguay stems from a single choice: sidelining local goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo.

Acevedo has spent his complete professional career with Santos Laguna, the club that calls Estadio Corona home. Acevedo featured prominently in most of Mexico's marketing campaigns leading up to the fixture, yet Aguirre chose to field Chivas' Raúl Rangel between the posts.

Once the team sheet was revealed, Rangel faced immediate hostility and the jeering persisted each time he touched the ball. Aguirre became another primary focus of criticism, with "Fuera vasco" chants, meaning "Vasco out" - referencing the manager's moniker - reverberating around the venue throughout the evening.

The Uruguay fixture represented just the third occasion El Tri competed on domestic territory in the past year, contrasting with 13 matches staged in the United States during the same period.

This scenario has intensified the sense of alienation felt by Mexican supporters toward their national squad. Disappointing performances since 2020 have amplified this feeling of separation.

Mexico's upcoming home fixture will occur during the Estadio Azteca reopening in March. Following that, three 2026 FIFA World Cup group matches on Mexican soil.

Without genuine commitment from the federation, coaching team, players and supporters to unite, internal conflict during the World Cup could emerge at the first hint of El Tri difficulties.