Carlos Reinoso speaks out about Fidalgo’s future with Mexico
Nothing has been made official yet, but the Spanish-born midfielder is now eligible to represent Mexico at full international level.
Álvaro Fidalgo dominated headlines in Mexican soccer this weekend. The midfielder has officially left Club América to return to Spain and sign with Betis. And while his departure comes just as he completes five full years living in Mexico, that milestone actually makes him newly eligible to play for Mexico’s national team — a process which former América legend Carlos Reinoso claims is already in motion.
Five years in Mexico — and now eligible for ‘El Tri’
Monday, February 2, marks exactly five years since Fidalgo arrived in Mexico. That five‑year residency requirement was the final step he needed to be eligible to play for Mexico, as he had already become a naturalized Mexican citizen.
Ironically, the very day he qualifies is the day he flies back to Spain to finalize his deal with Betis — but his path to El Tri is more open than ever.
Fidalgo himself avoided going into detail about a potential call‑up, but Reinoso didn’t hold back. The América icon hinted on social media that the “Maguito” will eventually wear Mexico’s colors.
On X, Reinoso shared that Fidalgo called him before leaving the country and hinted at his future with El Tri: “Yesterday Álvaro called to say goodbye… a special kid who understood América perfectly. He promised that when he joins the national team, we’ll have a roast dinner at my house. Wishing you the best, my son,” he wrote.
What Fidalgo said about joining Mexico
During his farewell press conference with América, Fidalgo was asked directly about a possible call‑up. He didn’t confirm anything, but he didn’t close the door either.
“I’m Mexican. After these five years, that’s one of the things I’ve become. I’m Spanish, Mexican — the door is open. It was never about that, but we’ll see. Everyone knows how much love I have for this country,” he said.
March will be decisive
Now that he’s eligible — but no longer playing in Liga MX — Fidalgo can only be called up by Javier Aguirre during the March FIFA international window. That month, Mexico will face Portugal in a friendly during the reopening of the Azteca, followed by a match against Belgium.
Until then, it remains speculation. But the possibility of seeing Álvaro Fidalgo in a Mexico jersey is very real.
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