Mexico is set to face off against Argentine giants River Plate on January 21, 2025, as they wrap up their South American tour with what promises to be an exciting international friendly at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
After earning a solid 2-0 victory over Brazilian club Internacional last week, Mexico’s national team, affectionately known as El Tri, is feeling buoyed as they head to one of the most historically significant stadiums in world football. The match against River Plate marks the conclusion of their January campaign and serves as the final warm-up before the highly anticipated Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Canada next March.
This will be the second encounter between Mexico and River Plate, the first meeting occurring nearly 75 years ago on February 19, 1950, when Mexico triumphed with 2-0. Now, under coach Javier Aguirre, the team will look to build on the momentum they’ve gained during this trip, which many initially doubted due to the relatively inexperienced squad.
"Mexico pulled off an impressive performance... victory silenced many of the critics," noted SI Soccer, highlighting the doubts surrounding Aguirre's roster prior to the Internacional match. Many players took the opportunity presented by Aguirre, who has constructed his squad primarily from clubs within Liga MX, aiming to provide exposure to up-and-coming talents.
The friendly against River Plate not only offers Mexico the chance to bolster their squad depth but gives these younger players the chance to showcase their abilities at one of the greatest stages. With expectations of over 70,000 fans expected to fill the stands, it’ll be the ultimate test for Aguirre’s young side, many of whom will be experiencing the intensity of such demanding environments for the first time.
River Plate is also gearing up for this fixture as the final tune-up before the start of the Argentine league season, which kicks off the following weekend. Coach Marcelo Gallardo is expected to field strong personnel for the first half, allowing him to assess his team’s fitness and preparedness. "It’ll be River Plate’s final tune-up game before the start of the league season," states SI Soccer, adding to the significance of this match for both clubs.
Notably, among River Plate’s expected starters are Manuel Lanzini, Germán Pezzella, and Gonzalo Montiel, all renowned players with extensive international experience. This star-studded roster serves as both motivation and challenge for the Mexican squad, as they look to compete on such high levels.
The game will begin at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, and 4 PM PT, allowing fans across the United States to tune in via various networks. Viewers can catch the action on TUDN, Univision, or stream it on ViX Premium, making it accessible for enthusiastic soccer fans eager to follow their nations and clubs.
Overall, this clash is about more than just the competition on the field; it holds future implications as well. For Mexico, the match is pivotal as they continue to hone their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and begin to settle their roster. For River Plate, it is a moment to shake off the disappointments of their previous season and lay the groundwork for their aspirations for the Copa Libertadores, where they aim to reclaim their status as champions.
With the tension high and both teams aiming for victory, fans should expect to be treated to thrilling moments as these two soccer powerhouses clash at the Estadio Monumental. Football enthusiasts, and especially those rallying behind El Tri, have much to anticipate as the squad seeks to close this South American tour on a high note.
This friendly match not only reflects the historic ties between Mexico and River Plate but also embodies the continuing growth and evolution of soccer across the Americas.