The Mexican national team will start the new year with two friendlies in Brazil and Argentina. On Thursday, they will meet Internacional of Brazil before meeting River Plate at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires next week.
Mexico has a jam-packed schedule ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will share the hosting duties with Canada and the United States.
In March, El Trí will meet Canada for the semifinal of the Nations League for a spot in the final where they will play either the United States or Panama for a shot at glory.
The Gold Cup returns in the summer, a competition which current belongs to Mexico after clinching victory in 2023. Santiago Giménez's last minute winner secured the win for El Trí as they hope to retain the title.
As Mexico take set for CONCACAF bragging rights in the Nations League and Gold Cup, what can they expect from the January fixtures?
Internacional
A club from the city of Porto Alegre, Sport Club Internacional, or simply Inter, are a force in the top flight of Brazilian football.
Competing in the Campeonato Gaúcho, a regional tournament for teams from Rio Grande do Sul—the southernmost state of Brazil—they hold the record for the most titles, having won it 45 times. Historically, they dominate this competition, often trading the honours with fellow top-flight club Grêmio. In fact, since 2000, the title has been exclusively shared between the two rivals.
The club's pride and joy remains with the two Copa Libertadores titles which they won in the space of four years between 2006 and 2010.
On a national front, Inter ended the most recent campaign in 9th place, 14 points off eventual winners Botafogo. Often finding themselves at the top end of the table, they ended the 2022 season as runners-up, albeit eight points off Palmeiras.
The squad consists of 2022 UEFA Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt Rafael Santos Borré and Ecuadorian veteran Enner Valencia along with last season's top goalscorer Wesley who joined the club at the start of the season from Cruzeiro.
River Plate
The Argentine giants have left an indelible mark on the country’s domestic scene, boasting an unrivaled record of 38 Primera División titles, four Copa Libertadores trophies, and 16 domestic cups, cementing their status as the most decorated club in Argentinian football.
Mexico will meet River Plate at the Estadio Monumental, one of the most historic stadiums in world football, allowing access to 85,000 people.
Known for their passionate and unwavering fanbase, River Plate are synonymous with one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, their legendary clashes with city rivals Boca Juniors. Over the years, the club has been home to iconic players such as José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, Ángel Labruna, Amadeo Carrizo, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Omar Sívori, Daniel Passarella, Enzo Francescoli, Hernán Crespo, Javier Mascherano, and Gonzalo Higuaín.
River Plate's current squad features notable players such as former West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini, ex-Monterrey star Maximiliano Meza, and last season's top goalscorer Miguel Borja. This past summer, the club announced the return of legendary manager Marcelo Gallardo, who previously guided River to their most recent Copa Libertadores triumph in 2018 before departing in 2022 to manage Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Fixture Details:
Inter vs Mexico - Thursday 16th January 2025
River Plate vs Mexico - Tuesday 21st January 2025
Can Mexico win these friendlies? Let us know your thoughts!