Mexico Predicted Lineup Vs. Internacional: International friendlies

Mexico’s 2025 national team action begins with a friendly in Brazil against two-time Copa Libertadores winners Internacional.

The trip to South America will also include a friendly against River Plate. The idea is that this tour will help young and up-and-coming Liga MX players get their first taste of senior national team football, with an eye on getting a call-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup or why not, even sooner, to the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals against Canada on 20 March.

Three players have already withdrawn from the squad, and they happen to be some of the most experienced players originally considered. Luis Romo, Jesús Orozco Chiquete and Jesús Angulo will not make the trip south, instead staying with their respective Liga MX teams to prepare for the 2nd game of the season.

Javier Aguirre will have even fewer options to choose from to build a lineup that can get the job done in front of 40 thousand fans at the Arena Beira-Rio. Jesus Gallardo, by far the most experienced player remaining on the roster, is likely to play both games as he is the only natural left back who made the trip.

New faces will be across the board for both games, with Aguirre hoping the unfamiliar names will become regulars over the next 18 months.

Here’s how El Tri could line up against Internacional on Thursday, January 16.

JOIN SI SOCCER’S MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM WHATSAPP COMMUNITY – GET ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ANALYSIS DIRECT TO YOUR PHONE

GK: Andrés Sánchez— The Atlético de San Luis goalkeeper played a key role in his team’s run to the semi-finals of the Apertura 2024. He will get his first taste of El Tri at 27.

RB: Jose Castillo-Castillo has proven to be a versatile player for Chivas, playing all over the back line for the Liga MX giants.

CB: Victor Guzmán—Monterrey’s central defense will appear from the start as one of the few players with previous experience with El Tri.

CB: Ramón Juarez– Injuries in Club América’s defense forced Juárez into the lineup, and the 23-year-old was outstanding on the home stretch of América’s third straight Liga MX title campaign.

LB: Jesús Gallardo-The two-time World Cup player will be El Tri’s leader during this two-game tour.

CM: Erik Lira-Lira will slide back to his natural position in midfield after being primarily used as a center back last season with Cruz Azul.

CM: Elías Montiel—Montiel won the bronze ball award in the 2024 Continental Cup for his performances for Pachuca. The 19-year-old gets a well-deserved debut with El Tri.

RW: Efrain Alvarez– The long-time LA Galaxy player thrived last season with Tijuana and looks set to compete for a spot with Mexico’s senior team.

AM: Gilberto Mora— The youngest ever Liga MX debutant and goalscorer could also become the youngest player ever to feature in El Tri’s senior team.

LW: Raymundo Fulgencio— Fulgencio found consistency playing on loan at Atlas in 2024, earning him a call-up to the national team before returning to his parent club, Tigres.

ST: Guillermo Martínez—”El Memote” scored against Brazil in a friendly last summer and will be hoping to do the same against a Brazilian club.

READ THE LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS, CONNECTIONS, PREDICTIONS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE