For years, the concept of club versus country friendlies was a familiar part of the international football landscape. These matches, ranging from low-key, behind-closed-doors affairs to high-profile clashes, offered a unique spectacle. Think back to Arsenal facing France in 1989, or Barcelona, boasting stars like Figo and Guardiola, taking on a Brazil side featuring Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 1999. These were more than just games; they were events.
During Colombia’s impressive qualification journey for the 1994 World Cup, they undertook an extensive global tour, playing 21 friendlies in 16 cities, facing not only national teams but also club giants like Bayern Munich and AC Milan. England, under Bobby Robson, even played against non-league side Aylesbury United before the 1988 European Championship. These examples are plentiful, painting a picture of a bygone era of football.
Rivaldo in action for Brazil against Barcelona in 1999, highlighting the club-versus-country dynamic.
Image alt text: Rivaldo, a key player for Brazil, competes against FC Barcelona in a 1999 friendly match, showcasing the unusual scenario of a player facing his club team while representing his nation.
For those who remember these “meaningless” friendlies, they evoke a sense of nostalgia for a different time in football, before the dominance of billionaire owners and overcrowded schedules. Back then, federations were praised for arranging matches against top club sides.
However, in today’s football world, club versus country friendlies are largely a thing of the past. The packed calendar leaves little room for such fixtures, and fan sentiment has shifted, questioning the value of these games. Despite this trend, the Mexico national team recently broke with convention by scheduling two January friendlies against prominent South American clubs: Internacional of Brazil and River Plate of Argentina.
As one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Canada and the USA, Mexico finds itself in the unusual position of not needing to navigate regional qualification. Under the returning manager Javier Aguirre, in his third stint since 2002, building positive momentum is vital, especially after the disappointing group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. For Mexico, these friendlies against club teams are not just about nostalgia; they are a strategic move to enhance the team’s competitiveness and ultimately improve their standing on the international stage.
The prevailing opinion in Mexico, echoed by media and fans, is that the national team needs to consistently face stronger opposition. While matches against nations like Brazil and Uruguay are scheduled, often in the USA for maximum fan attendance, Mexico’s European-based stars typically miss these South American trips. Instead, squads composed mainly of Liga MX players, including promising young talents with an eye on the 2030 World Cup, are given the opportunity to represent the senior team. This approach is directly linked to strengthening the depth and experience of the national pool, which is crucial for future tournament standings.
Javier Aguirre manages Mexico against Internacional, emphasizing youth development and strategic preparation.
Image alt text: Javier Aguirre, the coach of the Mexico national team, directs his players during a friendly game against Brazilian club Internacional, highlighting the focus on developing younger players and strategic match preparation.
While some Mexican media and fans expressed skepticism about playing against club teams, the January window offered limited alternatives. Mexico is gearing up to face Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals in March. In comparison, the USA, their rivals and fellow co-hosts, opted for more traditional friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica.
Aguirre and the Mexican Football Federation deliberately sought challenging environments for their young squad, away from the comforts of home support. On January 16th, in a packed Estádio José Pinheiro Borda in Porto Alegre, Mexico’s experimental side surprisingly defeated the favored Internacional 2-0. Despite Internacional being in preseason, they fielded a strong lineup, making it a valuable victory for Aguirre’s team. This win, against a reputable club, can be seen as a positive step in building confidence and improving the team’s overall competitive standing.
However, five days later, Mexico faced a starkly different reality, losing decisively to River Plate at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. An electrifying atmosphere with over 80,000 passionate fans greeted both teams. River Plate, strengthened by marquee signings including World Cup winners, proved too strong for the Mexican side, winning 2-0. Despite the loss, Aguirre emphasized the learning experience, particularly for the younger players facing such a high-caliber opponent in a hostile environment. These experiences, while not immediately reflected in tournament standings, are crucial for long-term team development and future success.
Pundits in Mexico debated the purpose of these matches. Currently, facing South American clubs, followed by Canada, and potentially the USA in a Nations League final, represents the highest level of competition Mexico will encounter in the near future. Aguirre himself acknowledged the defeat to River Plate but stressed its value: “We have to learn from this… River Plate is among the top teams in the world. This was a great way to face adversity, show our character and defend our national colors.”
USMNT in action during a friendly match, contrasting Mexico's club-friendly approach.
Image alt text: Players from the USMNT compete in a recent friendly, illustrating the conventional approach to international friendlies contrasting with Mexico’s strategy of playing club teams.
Aguirre dismissed concerns about whether Mexico had maximized the January window, despite acknowledging the team’s need for improvement following a disappointing Copa America performance. For him, facing a world-class club like River Plate served a clear purpose: “This is exactly what I wanted… This environment… made our players uncomfortable. The opponent was better than us but this tour was well worth it. It’ll be good for our future… A lot of our players grew today. We lost to River Plate on their home field and that’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Perhaps Mexico is onto something innovative. Instead of opting for predictable friendlies against regional rivals, they chose to revive a forgotten tradition. While club versus country friendlies might not become commonplace again, Mexico’s approach highlights a strategic focus on development and gaining valuable experience that could ultimately impact their future standings and performance in major international tournaments. These matches, therefore, are not just about nostalgia; they are a calculated step in Mexico’s journey towards improving their place in the global football hierarchy.
