Mexico Triumphs Over Bolivia Amidst Challenging Conditions

In challenging conditions characterized by temperatures exceeding 30°C and a crowd of over 25,000 enthusiastic Bolivian supporters, coach Aguirre opted for an experimental starting lineup. Armando González, affectionately known as “La Hormiga,” was deployed as the sole striker. Despite missing several regular players due to the fixture falling outside of a FIFA international window, Bolivia presented a formidable challenge to El Tri with their aggressive and intense play.

The match was physical from the outset, reaching a boiling point midway through the game when Jesús Gallardo became embroiled in a heated exchange with multiple Bolivian players. Despite the escalating tensions, the score remained level for a significant portion of the match.

Mexico finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute when Germán Berterame, who has been linked to a potential transfer to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, capitalized on a rebound in the penalty area after the Bolivian goalkeeper failed to fully clear the ball. He confidently slotted home the decisive goal of the match.

Bolivia continued to apply pressure, generating threats through headers and long-range shots, yet they were unable to find an equalizer. The match’s intensity peaked late in the game when Robbson Tome was sent off for a reckless challenge on Berterame. Moments later, Mexico’s assistant coach, Rafael Márquez, was also shown a red card following protests from the bench.

Despite facing late-game pressure, Mexico maintained their composure to secure the victory against a resilient Bolivian side. Coach Aguirre leaves this tour with valuable insights as he continues to assess domestic-based players in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico’s next preparatory match is set for February 25 against Iceland in Querétaro, featuring a squad composed entirely of Liga MX and MLS players.

Germán Berterame, whose signing with Miami is anticipated to be finalized shortly, had previously struggled in the match against Panama, where he started but failed to make a significant impact during the 1-0 win. This performance drew criticism amid Mexico’s ongoing goal-scoring difficulties. In contrast, Berterame began this match on the bench but came on to score the winning goal, thus regaining confidence and reaffirming his place in Aguirre’s squad.

The biggest setbacks were experienced by two Club América players. Goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, who had been the starter in the Nations League and the Gold Cup, appeared to be firmly established as Mexico’s No. 1 for the World Cup. However, he has recently lost ground to Raúl Rangel of Chivas, who started both matches during this tour and seems to have temporarily secured the position, although it remains highly competitive. The upcoming matches against Belgium and Portugal in March, set during the FIFA international window, will be crucial in determining Aguirre’s choices.

Another significant concern was the injury of Israel Reyes, who left the match in the first half. The extent of his injury remains uncertain. Undoubtedly, sustaining an injury in a friendly match is the last scenario any player desires.