The Mexican National Team is set to kick off the new year with two friendly matches against prestigious South American clubs, River Plate from Argentina and Internacional from Brazil. The team, managed by Javier Aguirre, will face River Plate on January 21, 2025, at the iconic Estadio Monumental located in Buenos Aires, following their match against Internacional, which takes place on January 16, 2025, at Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.
This tour is seen not just as another set of friendlies but as part of Aguirre’s broader ambition to expose his players to competitive environments rich with pressure—something they often miss when playing solely at home. "I need my players to face not only footballing challenges but also hostile environments to prepare them for what lies ahead. Playing in South America is invaluable experience," Aguirre emphasized, as reported by UNANIMO Deportes.
The organization of these matches is underway, with the Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF) having already sent personnel to Argentina and Brazil recently to secure stadium agreements and suitable accommodations for the team. Although other potential opponents were considered, such as Talleres de Córdoba, River Plate emerged as the primary challenger during their time there.
One significant aspect of this friendly set is the players. Since these games do not coincide with FIFA dates, Aguirre's squad will exclusively consist of Liga MX players. This presents them with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents against two of the most notable clubs on the continent. The absence of their European-based teammates means these players are stepping up to demonstrate their readiness to compete at higher levels.
These friendlies with elite competition are seen as pivotal as the Mexican National Team gears up for the 2025 season, providing necessary preparation as they aim for major titles. The year promises action with the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Canada looming. Should they advance, they will face the winner of the bracket featuring the United States and Panama. Following this, Mexico is scheduled to participate in the Copa Oro, set to commence mid-June across the U.S. and Canada.
Adding to the pressure and excitement, the upcoming matches are anticipated as important milestones for the team. With many fans hopeful for the National Team to reclaim its stature as one of the premier powers of CONCACAF, these games against South American teams could signal the start of positive changes leading toward the World Cup scheduled for 2026—of which Mexico is co-hosting.
Overall, the Mexican National Team's friendlies against River Plate and Internacional represent more than just games; they embody Aguirre's vision of developing stronger players and forging competitiveness on the international stage. Fans are eagerly awaiting these games, hoping to see if this new approach can yield fruitful results for the team. Will the Tri rise to this significant challenge and affirm its place not just as the pride of Mexico but as formidable opponents on the continental front?
