Former Liga MX star’s uncertain Mexico future: “Doesn’t like him”

Mexico’s national soccer team appears to have settled on a core group of players, even if recent results haven’t exactly inspired confidence. Trophy wins have helped keep the ship afloat, but when El Tri faces opponents of a different caliber - like Japan and Switzerland - the long-term outlook starts to raise eyebrows.

There’s growing concern over the lack of experimentation with new faces, especially in positions that clearly need fresh blood. Players like Orbelín Pineda, Roberto Alvarado, Jesús Gallardo, and Jorge Sánchez are increasingly under scrutiny, while promising talents such as Jesús Corona, Rodrigo Huescas, and Luis Chávez continue to be overlooked.

One name stands out in particular: Julián Quiñones. Since Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre took over as head coach, Quiñones has seen his role diminish to the point where some insiders believe he may not be called up again.

“He just doesn’t fit”

According to TUDN’s Alex de la Rosa, the outlook for Quiñones is bleak: “He wasn’t called up this time, and I’m hearing it’s going to be tough for him to return to the national team.

“It’s not a disciplinary issue or anything like that - he just doesn’t fit. Javier doesn’t like him, couldn’t figure out where to play him: on the left or behind the striker.”

De la Rosa added: “I don’t think they really clicked… I’m not sure we’ll see Quiñones back with El Tri.”

Veteran journalist David Faitelson chimed in: “He’d rather bring in Berterame than Julián Quiñones.” And indeed, Germán Berterame has been called up three times since Aguirre took the reins, signaling a clear preference.

This puts Quiñones - who, incidentally, is the highest-rated Mexican player in EA Sports’ FC 26 video game - in a precarious position just 10 months out from the World Cup. It’s a stunning turn for a player who, only two years ago, saw his path to the tournament open up through naturalization.

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