The Copa América 2024 based in the United States has already begun and now the championship stands out for the return of the national teams of the Confederation of North America, Central America and the Caribbean Football (Concacaf). And that is why the Aztec team is back in the continental tournament and full of hopes to go as far as possible.
It started off on the right foot, since June 22 at night was the debut of Mexico against Jamaica and were able to obtain the first three points with a victory by the minimum of 1 goal to zero. Mexico’s participation in the competition has been one of contrasts. The Tricolor has been the protagonist of great participations, such as the runner-up in its debut tournament; At the same time, it has been the target of results that are not at all favorable, such as the 7-0 defeat against Chile in its last invitation.
However, a constant in the participation of the Mexican National Team in the Copa América is “the 10”, the number that is usually worn by a different player and a reference in each of the national teams and that for many is the most important number on a soccer number.
These are just some of the most iconic players who have worn the number 10 in the Copa América through the ages, defending the colors of Mexico:
Luis García: 1993 and 1995
The first time that Mexico participated in a Copa América was in the 1993 edition. At that time, the player who wore “the 10” of the Tricolor was Luis García, who at that time was a player for Atlético de Madrid in Spain. The debut of the Mexican National Team in the continental tournament resulted in their best participation in the history of the competition: they got their ticket to the grand final where they had to face Argentina and were defeated with a score of 2 goals to 1.
García Postigo was able to wear the number 10 again for Mexico’s second participation in the tournamentthat of 1995. On this occasion, the Mexican National Team was left behind, as it was eliminated by the United States in the Quarterfinals after losing with a score of 4-2 in the penalty kicks.
In his two appearances, Luis García was able to score a total of four goals, all in the 1995 edition, becoming the tournament’s scoring leader along with Argentine forward Gabriel Omar Batistuta.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco: 1999 and 2007
Along with Luis García, Cuauhtémoc Blanco is the only player who has been able to shine twice “the 10” of Tri during the Copa América. The first time he had the opportunity to do so was in the 1999 edition. At that time, the outgoing governor of Morelos led the Mexican National Team to the Semifinals phase, where they lost 2-0 to Brazil. Then, he played in the third place match where ‘Tri’ finally succumbed to Chile with a score of 1-0.
The second occasion was in the 2007 Copa América. That year, together with the Mexican squad, reached the semifinals, where they again fell 2-0, but this time against Argentina. Later, they won the third place match against Uruguay. Cuauhtémoc Blanco was able to score five goals in the three appearances he had in the Copa América. One in 1997 (where he did not use the 10), two in 1999 and two in 2007.
Cesáreo Victorino: 2001
In the 2001 Copa América, Cesáreo Victorino was in charge of dressing “the 10” dand the Mexican National Team. In that edition, Mexico gave another of its great performances in the continental competition and on that occasion was able to reach the final, where they were defeated 1-0 against the hosts, Colombia.
Unfortunately, Victorino did not score a single goal during their participation in the tournament.
Giovani dos Santos: 2011
One of the last great players who had the honor of wearing “the 10” in the Mexican National Team It was Giovani Dos Santos, former player of the Barcelona Football Club. On one of the many occasions that he wore it was during the 2011 Copa América. On that occasion, Mexico had a poor performance, being eliminated in the first phase, losing all of its matches.
“Gio”, as Dos Santos is knowncould not score a single goal in his participation in this edition of the tournament.
Alexis Vega: 2024
For this latest edition of the Copa América that takes place in the United States, Alexis Vega It is a promise that is currently alive and represents the ranks of the Mexican National Team. She will be the player who wears “the 10″ for the continental tournament where Mexico already debuted with a 1-0 goal victory against Jamaica.
It is not the first time that Vega will wear the historic number, He also dressed her for the World Cup in Qatar.
Keep reading:
United States vs. Bolivia: schedule, lineups and where to watch the Copa América 2024 match
What has been Mexico’s best result in the history of the Copa América?
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