Jesse Marsch Confesses Major Blunder as Canada and Mexico Clash Over Former Arsenal Star
Jesse Marsch, head coach of Canada's men's national soccer team, disclosed that Tigres UANL winger Marcelo Flores will not participate in Canada's January training camp and friendly match against Guatemala, despite being included in the squad announcement, keeping his eligibility open for Canada, Mexico, or England.
The 22-year-old netted two goals for Tigres in their 2–1 Liga MX victory over Atlético San Luis over the weekend and was scheduled to join Canada as an official squad member for the first time. Nevertheless, he will not participate in the camp, casting doubt on his international career path.
Marsch acknowledged that calling up Flores was an "error," as he would not have been permitted to feature against Guatemala without completing a one-time nationality switch, unless the match at LAFC's BMO Stadium was conducted without spectators.
Simultaneously, he explained that the original plan always included Flores participating in his club's weekend fixture against Atlético.
"It was my initiative to attempt bringing him here, believing we could treat this more like a lower-level FIFA fixture, and that despite not having completed a one-time switch, we could include him in the Guatemala match. However, I erred on that front, and it appears that regardless of our efforts, unless it's behind closed doors, he cannot participate, which is somewhat disappointing," Marsch explained to media in Irvine, California.
"I believe he possesses significant potential as a footballer. I think he would excel here with us in Canada, but I want to guide him appropriately to reach a decision he feels most confident about, and I remain firmly convinced that could be Canada."
Canada, Mexico Battle for Flores
Canada, Mexico Battle for Flores
Flores, who developed through Arsenal's youth system in England, has represented Mexico at junior levels and earned three senior caps for El Tri. He appeared as a substitute in December 2021 during a friendly versus Chile, then again in an April 2022 friendly against Guatemala, before facing Suriname in June 2022 during the Concacaf Nations League.
Since that time, he has been a squad rotation option for Tigres and had mostly disappeared from Mexico's national team considerations. He participated in Canada's November camp as a training participant and was anticipated to play an important role in the Guatemala friendly.
Born and raised in Canada with a Mexican father and English mother, Flores has struggled with his international allegiance choice throughout his career, with Mexico appearing to hold the advantage in recruiting him.
Marsch, however, has remained persistent in his pursuit to recruit him, following previous head coach John Herdman's unsuccessful attempts, despite ongoing efforts.
"I want him to achieve success in his career and personal life," Marsch continued. "I believe that can absolutely be accomplished here with Canada and I know he shares that sentiment.
"When working with individuals, we all have personal interests in our actions, but I want Marcelo to enjoy a truly strong and lengthy career to demonstrate his abilities to everyone. I believe he can achieve that here in Canada, but fundamentally, I simply want him to succeed."
Performances Impact Canada vs. Mexico Decision
Performances Impact Canada vs. Mexico Decision
While Flores's reluctance to commit to Canada through an international allegiance change for January's camp creates concerns for Marsch's strategy, his recent performances strongly suggest he could have an international future with either Canada or Mexico.
After his two-goal performance in his 73rd match for Tigres, manager Guido Pizarro praised Flores and discussed plans for the young winger to join Canada's camp, with aspirations of making the 2026 World Cup squad.
"I hope we can assist him so he makes the Canadian squad [for the World Cup]," Pizarro stated, before Flores withdrew from camp. "He is working diligently toward that goal, you can observe it in his daily routine, and you can see it in his performances."
Now, the opportunity will stay available for Flores to maintain his form in the early stages of the Liga MX Clausura season with Tigres, as they meet Pumas UNAM and Deportivo Toluca this week, matches he would have missed to join Canada.
After these fixtures, Mexico is also scheduled to conduct their own January camp, where Flores could resurface in the national team conversation, further complicating his decision regarding the best option for his immediate and future international prospects.
"I advised him to continue pushing himself, keep progressing, establish your position this season with Tigres, and we'll complete our camp here, then we'll communicate in about a week and discuss the opportunities," Marsch added regarding Flores's potential to make Canada's 2026 World Cup roster, with only two March friendlies and another pair in June remaining.
"Marcelo frequently tells me that he's Canadian, he was raised in Canada, and he knows many of the players. I think there are numerous factors, but he must do what feels right for him personally."
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Ben Steiner is an American-Canadian journalist who brings comprehensive expertise, having reported on North American national teams, MLS, CPL, NWSL, NSL and Liga MX for leading publications, including MLSsoccer.com, CBC Sports, and OneSoccer.