Mexico in 2024: The Story | OneFootball

Over the past year, La Selección has been on a hectic journey, featuring everything from a Nations League final to a lacklustre Copa América performance. Fans have experienced an emotional rollercoaster that is finally winding down as the team approaches the end of this chapter.

Here’s a recap of the Mexican national team’s eventful 2024:

March 2024 - Led by Jaime Lozano, Mexico took to the pitch for the first time of the year to compete in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Panama. A dominant 3-0 win gave them the passage to the final where they would meet a familiar foe in the United States.

In the final, fans criticised its stars after falling short in the showpiece event. Losing the final 2-0, the U.S. were crowned champions for a third consecutive time as Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna scored the goals.

May 2024 - Domestically, Club América lifted a record-breaking 15th Liga MX title. Las Águilas became victorious with a win against Cruz Azul in an all Mexico City affair.

Henry Martín #21, of Club America lifts the Liga MX... | Eyepix Group/GettyImages

June 2024 - Mexico's run to the Nations League final qualified them for the Copa América, drawn in agroup which contained Jamaica, Venezuela and Ecuador.

The FMF arranged a series of pre-tournament friendlies against Bolivia, Uruguay, and Brazil to prepare El Trí for the Copa América. The campaign began with a narrow victory over Bolivia, where manager Jaime Lozano opted for a youthful side to test emerging talent.

A sterner test followed against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay. Despite fielding a more experienced line-up, Mexico fell short as Darwin Núñez stole the show with a sensational hat-trick, exposing defensive frailties. The defeat dampened the initial excitement surrounding the team’s tournament prospects.

Mexico’s final warm-up match was a spirited display against Brazil, briefly restoring hope. However, a last-minute winner from Real Madrid prodigy Endrick consigned El Trí to a second defeat in three matches, leaving them with much to ponder before the start of the Copa América.

Read More:

Club América Clinch 16th Liga MX TitleMexico Beat Pochettino's USA in Heated FriendlyJavier Aguirre Ready to Replace Jaime Lozano as Mexico Manager

June/July 2024 - Copa América campaign began on a disappointing note for Mexico. Gerardo Arteaga’s long-range strike secured three points against Jamaica, but it proved to be El Trí’s only goal of the tournament. A penalty from Pachuca’s Salomón Rondón handed Venezuela a victory, and a lifeless 0-0 draw against Ecuador sealed Mexico’s early exit from the competition at the group stage.

On Tuesday, 16th July, the fallout from Mexico’s disappointing Copa América campaign became clear as manager Jaime Lozano was dismissed. The FMF promptly began the search for a successor capable of guiding the team through a crucial period, with preparations for co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming large.

Mexico v Ecuador - CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 | Steph Chambers/GettyImages

Six days after Jaime Lozano's dismissal, the FMF announced Javier Aguirre as the new manager of the Mexican national team, marking his third spell in charge. Aguirre previously guided El Trí through the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, with his most recent managerial role at Spanish club RCD Mallorca.

September 2024 - Javier Aguirre took charge for the first time since returning to the position as Mexico faced New Zealand and Canada. The reign began with a 3-0 win with goals from Orbellín Pineda, Cesar Huerta and Luís Romo. The win was followed up with a goalless draw against the Canadians.

October 2024 - Aguirre brought Raúl Jiménez back into the fold after his recent absence from the national team, and the Fulham forward made an immediate impact with an unforgettable free-kick against the United States. The match also marked the end of the illustrious international career of Andrés Guardado, Mexico’s all-time leader in appearances. In a fitting conclusion, El Trí got revenge for their Nations League final loss, with Pumas' Huerta also finding the net in a 2-0 victory.

November 2024 - Mexico’s first competitive matches under new manager Javier Aguirre came in the Nations League, with El Trí facing Honduras in a quarterfinal double-header for a spot in the final four. As in their meeting at the same stage in 2023, Honduras won the opening match, and Aguirre was struck on the head by a beer can at the end of the game. The teams then met again in Toluca, where Mexico bounced back in style with an emphatic 4-1 victory. Jiménez, Jorge Sánchez, and a brace from Henry Martín secured a second consecutive comeback win over the Hondurans.

Honduras v Mexico - CONCACAF Nations League | Jorge Salvador Cabrera/GettyImages

December 2024 - El Trí wrapped up all action for 2024 with a record of six wins, five losses, and three draws across 14 matches. However, there was one final piece of drama to unfold – the 2024 Liga MX Apertura title. After a series of twists and turns, eighth-seeded Club América triumphed with a third consecutive title, defeating Monterrey in the final.

Monterrey v America - Final Torneo Apertura 2024 Liga MX | Hector Vivas/GettyImages

With 2025 just around the corner, Mexico is set to face Canada in the final four of the CONCACAF Nations Cup. Rumours also suggest that El Trí will play friendlies against Argentina’s River Plate and Brazilian side Internacional.