Santi Muñoz still undecided between Mexico or the USMNT: “I’ll take the best option”
The Santos Laguna forward has dual nationality, but has only played with Mexico at youth level. Born in Texas, he is eligible to play the for the United States.
It could go either way for Santiago Muñoz - he could be one of the success stories of Mexico’s national team or a player who El Tri lets slip through their hands. Born in El Paso, Texas to Mexican parents, he is now back with his first club after spending 18 months in England with Newcastle. In an exclusive conversation with AS Mexico, he reiterated his desire to recover his best level with Santos Laguna in the Liga MX and also spoke about a potential dilemma in the not too distant future - when he might be forced choose between playing for Mexico or the United States. He says he will cross that bridge when he comes to it.
Muñoz’s adventure with Newcastle started in the summer of 2021 and last until December last year. Marco Antonio Ruiz handed him his first opportunity to represent Mexico at youth level, calling the player for the CONCACAF U17 Championship in May 2019.
The young forward made his debut in the 0-5 win over Bermuda, featured in the next three games and scored in the final to help Mexico to their eight title. Stints with the Under-21s and Under-23s followed under a succession of coaches, including current senior side coach, Jaime Lozano.
‘’I’m very grateful to Mexico’s national team. As everyone knows, I lived practically my entire life in Mexico but when you live next to a border there is always life on the other side as well. It has allowed me to live some dream moments and unique experiences. I know that if I can do well at club level, things will start happening with the national team,” the 21-year-old explained. “In that regard, I am calm and it is not that I have decided on one [national team] or the other. Like anyone, I will wait for the best opportunity in front of me and I’ll take it’'.
Praise for Jaime Lozano
Muñoz recalled being part of the Mexico Under-23 side that won the CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship with Jaime Lozano at the helm in March 2021: ‘’I’m happy for him [for becoming the senior side coach]; I remember that I was one of the youngest in that concentration and Jaime was the first to take me under his wing,’’ said the ‘Guerreros’ striker.
Santi was also in the 2022 Maurice Revello tournament in which Mexico finished third and was one of the star players in the competition. He scored in the match for third place against Colombia - as did Efraín Álvarez, another player with dual nationality.