Mexico Calls Up Rising Star Who's Hunting Down Messi and Ronaldo's Historic Records
Javier Aguirre has announced the 26-player squad that will represent Mexico's national team in the forthcoming international friendlies against Portugal and Belgium, with the comeback of veteran 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa being among the most notable selections.
Mexico began the year with wins over Panama, Bolivia and Iceland in friendly encounters held outside of official FIFA international windows, featuring squads composed entirely of Liga MX players.
Now, for the first time since November, the collection of Mexican players competing abroad returns to form a squad that will face two European giants in matches that will help assess Mexico's position just over two months before their World Cup opener against South Africa.
An injury situation affecting key players including Edson Álvarez, Santiago Giménez, Gilberto Mora, Marcel Ruiz and Luis Malagón severely impacts El Tri.
In the ultimate test before Aguirre reveals his preliminary World Cup squad, Mexico's March selection features several surprises and fascinating choices.
Debuts and Returns: The Surprises in Mexico's Roster
Malagón's injury virtually ensured Ochoa's return to El Tri, and he has a genuine opportunity to feature for the first time since 2024 during one of these friendlies. Raúl Rangel remains the obvious choice to start in goal during the summer, but it seems almost certain that Ochoa will represent Mexico in a sixth World Cup, an unprecedented achievement that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are also pursuing this summer.
The March international friendlies will showcase what is arguably the most anticipated El Tri debut in years, as Spanish-born dual-national Álvaro Fidalgo received his first call-up to Mexico's squad. The Club América icon and three-time Liga MX champion has been excelling since his January move to Real Betis, and his inclusion could substantially strengthen Aguirre's midfield, particularly following Ruiz's injury.
Many were surprised by the selection of Pumas striker Guillermo Martínez in the squad, considering he has started only one of 11 Liga MX matches this season. Rather than seeking depth in other areas, Aguirre has called up an impressive five natural strikers, with Martínez joining Raúl Jiménez, Armando González, Germán Berterame and Julián Quiñones.
Finally, as they were throughout much of the 20th century and early 2000s, Liga MX powerhouse—and current league leaders—Chivas have returned as the backbone of El Tri. Five Chivas players feature in the March squad, including former USMNT players Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez.
The Curious Case of Diego Lainez
Diego Lainez has developed into one of Liga MX's standout performers over the past year, but for the second consecutive camp, Aguirre has chosen not to select the Tigres winger, placing his World Cup aspirations in serious doubt.
Based solely on current form, Lainez should not only be included in the squad, he should be genuinely considered for Mexico's starting right wing position this summer. His exclusion from the roster has many questioning whether off-field matters are preventing his El Tri involvement, though this remains purely speculative at present.
Hours after Aguirre announced his squad, Lainez delivered an outstanding performance as Tigres completed a remarkable comeback in the Concacaf Champions Cup. After the match, he shared a photo of himself in club colors with the message, "I am happy here." Several of his Tigres colleagues commented below, suggesting he deserved an El Tri call-up, or simply stating: "The best Mexican player by far."
For a team lacking game-changing talent, Aguirre's choice to exclude Lainez remains an increasing puzzle. The former prodigy who supported Mexico's bid to host the 2026 World Cup has finally fulfilled his potential, yet it appears increasingly unlikely he will be wearing El Tri's jersey this summer.
Full Mexico National Team Roster for March Friendlies vs. Portugal, Belgium
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards