Mexico's national football team faced off against Argentina's River Plate on January 22, 2025, ending their South American tour with a 2-0 defeat at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match showcased River Plate's dominance, with the home team leaving no doubt about their class as they managed to command 68% of possession throughout the game, combined with seven shots on target against Mexico's solitary effort.
River Plate opened the scoring just seven minutes after kick-off. A carefully placed corner kick exposed Mexico's defensive frailties, allowing Giuliano Galoppo to blast the ball past goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez. The early goal set the tone for the match, with River Plate's confidence soaring as they pressed hard against the Mexican squad. For coach Javier Aguirre and his players, it was clear from the beginning they had their work cut out for them.
The Mexican players struggled to find cohesion. Errors and miscommunications plagued their game, and as the first half progressed, River Plate continued to create chances. One such moment occurred at the 32-minute mark, when Colombian forward Miguel Borja delivered what many are calling "a stunning strike" from outside the box, doubling the score to 2-0 and leaving the Mexican defense scrambling yet again.
Aguirre's side emerged from halftime determined to show signs of improvement. Mexico gained more possession and attempted to push forward, but their attacks lacked the bite needed to penetrate River Plate's organized defense. The introduction of fresh legs, including José Ramírez and Santiago Muñoz, offered some hope, yet Mexico could not find the back of the net.
This turn of events prompted Aguirre to comment on the performance. "Today they beat us well; we didn’t compete at their level. Some players will go to other call-ups because they stood up, and personality is shown not just by shouting or kicking, but by encouraging teammates with and without the ball," he saidpost-match, highlighting the importance of the experience gained during this challenging outing.
While the defeat hits hard, it presents valuable lessons for the Mexicans. Manager Aguirre appears to recognize the need for serious reflection as he prepares for upcoming challenges, including the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup. With the looming World Cup on the horizon, Aguirre's task is to identify promising players who can contribute meaningfully to the team's future.
Despite the disappointment, there were glimpses of potential from some younger players, as several on the Mexican roster made their senior team debuts during the South American trip. Aguirre has stated he aims to develop depth within the squad, noting, "I leave here convinced there are players who deserve another opportunity for future convocations. But it's difficult to specify names right now. Football doesn’t forgive. You must constantly improve; today, we learned where we currently stand. Some players didn’t quite match up to expectations, but it was my decision to bring them along, and I have to weigh what I observed carefully."
Overall, the match against such formidable opponents as River Plate proved to be more than just another friendly; it was, rather, a much-needed examination for the Mexican national team amid challenging circumstances. With their heads held high, the squad can use this experience to refine their skills and establish themselves as genuine contenders on the international stage.
Looking forward, Aguirre emphasized the necessity of evaluating these encounters critically as Mexico gears up for official competitions later this year against Canada. This loss, albeit painful, may serve as the catalyst for progress as Aguirre continues to sculpt his team for future successes.