However, the six-star club was expected to have a third member. Guillermo Ochoa, who—like Messi and Ronaldo—has been present at every edition since Germany 2006, is now facing reports that he may be left out of Javier Aguirre’s final plans for the Mexican national team.

Should Ochoa fail to represent his country this summer, the 40-year-old goalkeeper would remain at five participations, leaving the path clear for Messi and Ronaldo to become the only players in history to reach the six-tournament milestone.

The battle for Mexico’s goal

Reports from Mexico indicate that Raúl ‘Tala’ Rangel (Chivas) and Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) have virtually secured their spots following the devastating Achilles injury to Luis Angel Malagon, which has ruled the expected starter out of the World Cup.

The battle for the final goalkeeping slot appears to be between veteran Jose Antonio Rodriguez (Xolos) and Ochoa. Currently, Rodriguez seems to have the edge in the eyes of the coaching staff.

“All I know is that Javier [Aguirre] has had talks with Antonio; whether he will call him up, I don’t know,” a member of Aguirre’s staff told Mexican outlet Record. “Personally, Antonio is a goalkeeper with good stats and the level to be at the World Cup, but Javier has the final word”.

Messi and Cristiano chasing the all-time scoring throne

The appearance record isn’t the only history on the line for these legends. Both Messi and Ronaldo are likely entering their final World Cup and have one last chance to become the competition’s all-time top scorer.

Achieving this record will be no easy feat for either player, as Germany’s Miroslav Klose continues to hold the all-time mark with 16 goals. Messi is currently the closest to catching the legendary striker, sitting at 13 goals after his dominant performance in Qatar, where he netted seven goals.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, faces a much steeper climb. With 8 career World Cup goals, the Portuguese captain would need to double his current tally in a single tournament to equal Klose—a monumental challenge even for one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport.

According to Mexican national team insider David Medrano, the Mexican Football Federation has already established contact with AEL Limassol to manage Ochoa‘s availability for the upcoming FIFA international window.

Javier Aguirre’s side is scheduled to play two high-profile friendlies in March. First, they will host Portugal on March 28 at the Estadio Azteca, followed by a final preparation match against Belgium on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Should he receive the call-up, Ochoa would be on the path to making history by potentially securing a spot on the final roster for what would be his sixth World Cup appearance.

However, the veteran will face stiff competition for the starting role, as Carlos Acevedo, Andres Gudiño, Raul Rangel, and Andres Sanchez are all vying to fill the void left by Malagon.

Ochoa could make history alongisde Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

If the legendary goalkeeper secures a spot on Mexico’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup, he will become one of the first players ever to participate in six different editions of the tournament.

This potential milestone would place him in an ultra-elite category alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom are also expected to represent their nations in their record-breaking sixth World Cups this summer.

While the three legends have already appeared in five tournaments, 2026 represents a final run that would break a tie with historical icons like Lothar Matthaus and Rafael Marquez.

Players with five World Cup appearances

• Antonio Carbajal (Mexico): 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966
• Lothar Matthaus (Germany): 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998
• Rafael Marquez (Mexico): 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
• Gianluigi Buffon (Italy): 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• Lionel Messi (Argentina): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• Andres Guardado (Mexico): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico): 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

Head coach Javier Aguirre has decided that the starting goalkeeper for tonight’s match will be Luis Malagon, from America. As a result, Ochoa will begin the match on the bench, despite being one of the team’s most experienced leaders.

In fact, Malagon has been Javier Aguirre’s preferred choice in most matches since the coach began his third stint with the national team, which started in mid-2024 following the team’s failure at the Copa America.

The America goalkeeper played both of Mexico’s matches in this year’s Concacaf Nations League, against Canada and Panama in March. In the friendlies held last week as part of the team’s final preparation for the Gold Cup, he was a substitute in the loss to Switzerland and started in the win over Turkey.

Ochoa’s season

Approaching his 40th birthday, Guillermo Ochoa remains one of the most prominent Mexican players. He joined Avs Futebol of the Primeira Liga—Portugal’s top division—at the beginning of the 2024–25 season.

He appeared in 23 matches during the campaign, although the team’s results were disappointing: they finished 16th in the standings with just 27 points and had to play a relegation playoff against second-division side Vizela to retain their place in the Primeira Liga. Avs won that playoff 5–2 on aggregate, but Ochoa did not play in the decisive match. Instead, Simao Verza Bertell was in goal.

What did coach Aguirre say about Ochoa?

Guillermo Ochoa’s call-up for the Gold Cup drew some criticism in Mexico, given the goalkeeper’s age and the fact that his most recent season was not with a top-tier club. However, Javier Aguirre was full of praise when asked about the 39-year-old.

“I went to see him in Lisbon, he played well, and while his team struggled to stay in the division, I asked him to keep performing at an acceptable level, like he has in recent years,” Aguirre said recently. “He’s a mature man who’s on par with his teammates. I don’t give out favors—everyone is here on merit, and Memo is one of them.”

Ochoa has been a key player in Mexico’s history, he joined the small group of players to play in 5 World Cups, along with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and his former teammate Andres Guardado, among others.

The experienced goalkeeper played a total of 151 matches for the national team where he kept a clean sheet for 65 games.He was very important in the 2014 World Cup with a marvelous performance against the mighty Brazil. Many people may wonder why this iconic goalkeeper is out of the roster.

Guillermo Ochoa out of Copa America 2024

Guillermo Ochoa won’t be part of Mexico’s squad for the Copa America 2024 due to a decision from the coach Jaime Lozano to make a generational change where young players begin to have more prominence.

In addition, the former Malaga goalkeeper will have to look for a new club as he will not renew his contract with Salernitana of Italy when it expires.

The goalkeepers that Jaime Lozano selected to replace the iconic Guillermo Ochoa are: Angel Malagon (America), Jose Raul Rangel (Chivas) and Julio Gonzalez (Pumas).

According to reporter Nicolò Schira talks are “advanced” between the goalkeeper and the MLS side. Ochoa was recently with Serie A side Salernitana.

At 38, the Mexican national team goalkeeper is still very capable as he continues to backstop on the El Tri and has amassed 150 caps for Mexico.

Guillermo Ochoa’s career

Guillermo Ochoa, widely regarded as one of Mexico’s most accomplished goalkeepers, has carved out a distinguished career both domestically and on the international stage. Ochoa has played for clubs like America, Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada, and Standard Liège.

Ochoa has also been on five World Cup squads for Mexico beginning in the 2006 World Cup. He rose through the ranks of Club América’s youth system before making his professional debut for the club in 2004 at just 18 years old. Ochoa’s exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence quickly caught the attention of fans and scouts alike, earning him the nickname “Memo” and establishing him as a formidable force between the goalposts.

San Diego FC is set to play their first MLS match on opening day next season in MLS, a season that will mark the league’s 30th year since its launch in 1996.

The Nations League will come to an end on Sunday. Once again, the United States will face Mexico in the Final, with both teams adding one more match to their epic rivalry.

This edition has been different, as six teams will qualify to the 2024 Copa America depending on their performance in the Nations League. However, there’s still a huge doubt about the prize money for the winner.

What is the prize money for the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League?

In the semifinals of the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League, the United States were able to defeat Jamaica, while Mexico did the same with Panama. Both games ended with a 3-1 score.

Now, the USMNT and el Tricolor will face each other in the grand Final. The United States seek its third title of the tournament, while Mexico wants to lift the trophy for the first time ever.

This edition of the Concacaf Nations League is unique. All four teams in the semifinals have qualified for the 2024 Copa America, while two spots remain to be filled by the winners of the playoff matches.

However, fans are wondering if the champion will receive a monetary prize. Unfortunately, there is no cash reward for the tournament winner, which comes as a surprise to many.

As a comparison, the winner of the UEFA Nations League gets €10.5 million, while the runner-up goes home with €9 million. In Concacaf, all they get is a golden medal and a trophy with 34 diamonds on it.

Is there any other prize in the Concacaf Nations League?

Last year, the top two nations of the tournament got a direct place in the Gold Cup. This year is set to be the same, which means that the United States and Mexico have already qualified for the next edition.

As mentioned earlier, Panama, Jamaica, Mexico, and the United States have qualified to the upcoming Copa America. Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, and Honduras will compete for the two remaining spots.

However, even with great individual performances, the truth is Ochoa was also part of a major failure in Qatar 2022. The Mexican squad could’t reach the Round of 16 for the first time in three decades.

So, fans are getting tired of the old guard in a new process led by coach Jaime Lozano as the results are not coming. Two disappointing ties in friendlies against Australia and Uzbekistan triggered the alarms. Guillermo Ochoa is on the hot seat.

Mexican fans and media want Guillermo Ochoa out of the national team

Guillermo Ochoa had a big mistake in the third goal of Uzbekistan against Mexico during an International Friendly in Atlanta. It was a free kick which entered the net in a zone that should have been covered by the veteran goalkeeper.

As a consequence, fans and many analysts are asking for a new generation of players at the position. Ricardo La Volpe, one of the most important coaches in Mexico’s history, talked about it.

“There’s no doubt of what Ochoa has demonstrated in the national team. However, in these games, it’s important to see who can be behind him. That’s what’s missing. You have to see new players to be ready. If Ochoa is fine, he will be the starter.”

Nevertheless, La Volpe had a big warning for Mexico. “If he’s healthy, Ochoa is the starter. But, the age…sometimes…you have to be careful. There has to be someone if he’s not ready. You cannot take risks. Right now, there’s not a clear player who can be that man.”

The big question is if there are talented enough players who can compete with Ochoa. Rodolfo Cota is also a veteran at 36-years old and Carlos Acevedo, maybe the biggest prospect, hasn’t delivered when called to the national team and hasn’t received many opportunities.

Another name on the rise could be Fernando Tapia who has been sensational at Queretaro. Luis Malagon is also an option though he has been very irregular playing for Club America.

Napoli controlled their destiny and with a win they would become the new champions in Italy. Though it’s only a matter of time for them to hoist the trophy, the scenario was perfect to seal the deal at home in front of thousands of fans. San Paolo, now Diego Armando Maradona’s stadium, was ready to celebrate.

However, the star of Mexico’s national team and his teammates had another plan as they are in a tremendous fight to avoid relegation in Serie A. Read here to check out the details of another superb performance by the famous Memo Ochoa and the surprising Salernitana of Paulo Sousa.

Napoli miss chance to secure Serie A title against Salernitana

When Mathias Oliveira scored with a spectacular header on minute 62′, everything was going according to the plan for Napoli. Even the TV broadcast showed thousands of fans running to the streets ready to celebrate their first title in Italy since the 1989-1990 season.

Then, Salernitana answered. Boulaye Dia delivered a magnificent goal in minute 84′ to tie the score and, when Napoli went full attack, Guillermo Ochoa made an extraordinary save after a shot from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The underdog survived and rescued a very important point atNaples.

So, after the result, Napoli have an 18-point advantageover Lazio with 18 points available in Serie A. Their championship is inevitable and it might be official next Thursday when they visit Udinese.

Meanwhile, Salernitana are in an amazing streak trying to avoid relegation. They are undefeated in their last nine matches and now sit in the 14th place of the table with 34 points. Guillermo Ochoa’s squad are currently ahead of Empoli, Lecce, Spezia, Hellas Verona, Cremonese and Sampdoria. The last three in the standings lose the category.

The Italian side had to act quickly to replace injured starting goalkeeper Luigi Pepe with the Mexico national team’s star goalie, so they signed the player during the World Cup break. The ex-veteran of Club America has even beenrecognized as one of the top performers for Salernitana every game despite letting in 17 goals in sixoutings.

Sadly for Ochoa, Pepe has returned from injury, and head coach Davide Nicole opteddecided to bench the El Tri shot-stopper for the two previous games until Matchday 24.It has nowfueled speculation that Ochoa is aiming to leave at the conclusion of the season after realizing he won’t get many playing opportunities.

Which club couldGuillermo Ochoa move to?

As it stands, Guillermo Ochoa could be stayingin Serie A for the next season.Currently, it’s being said that the veteran’swillingness to serve as the backup goalkeeper makes him a desirable candidate for Milanclubs,AC Milan and Internazionale.

TuttoSalernitana.com claim that the current Italian champions havetaken the initiative by offering Ochoa a one-year contract with an additional year and asalarythat is better than his present income. The Rossoneri are still searching for a successor for Mike Maignan, and Ciprian Tatarusanu has not shown to be a dependable choice.

To counteract this, Inter are contemplating making an offer for the Salernitana aceas they look for an experienced successor for Samir Handanovic. When the Slovenian’s contract ends this summer, the Nerazzurriwill need to find a replacement and are considering the Mexicanas a possible backup for Andre Onana.

Emiliano Martinez‘s stop in the nick of time in the extra period of the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar will go down in history as one of the most thrilling moments of the tournament. Martinez also performed well in the penalty shootout for Argentina.

Meanwhile, Barcelona is now atop La Liga, three points ahead of second-place Real Madrid, thanks in large part toMarc-Andre ter Stegen‘s extraordinary performance in goal. As unbelievable as it seems, his level head on the field has been a major factor in the Blaugrana’s defensive success, as they have allowed only six goals in 16 games.

Ochoa boastsmore saves than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues in 2023

Since joining Italian club Salernitana last winter from Club America, Guillermo Ochoa has excelled in his first few outings. The Mexican goalkeeper has made 26 saves, more than any other Serie A shot-stopper, and has been named Man of the Match twice.

Furthermore, Serie A statistics show that Ochoa has more saves than any other European goalie. The 37-year-old goalie has allowed 13 goals while making 26 saves from inside the penalty area.

After starting goalkeeper Luigi Sepe went down with a calf injury, Salernitana chose to sign Ochoa on a six-month deal. If the Mexican goalie appears in 12 games throughout the season, the Serie A side will be required to offer him a two-year contract extension.

The veteran goalkeeper’s contract with Liga MX giants Club America runs out at the end of the year, and the club confirmed he won’t sign an extension. Instead, Memo could make an unexpected return to Europe.

According to ESPN, America wanted Ochoa to renew on one condition, which was to take a pay cut. However, the 37-year-old goalie reportedly has a better offer from the Old Continent.

Report: ‘Memo’ Ochoa to leave Club America for Serie A club

According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports, Serie A outfit Salernitana are closing in on the arrival of Guillermo Ochoa as a free agent. The Italian club are currently 12th in the first division standings with 17 points, 10 clear of the relegation spots.

This would be the fourth European club in Memo’s career. Ochoa first moved to the Old Continent in 2011, when he signed for French side Ajaccio. Three years later he moved to Spanish club Malaga, where he stayed for two seasons before going to Granada on loan.

The keeper later joined Standard Liege in the summer of 2017, before returning to Club America in 2019. Will he stay in Italy for long this time? Ochoa will reportedly travel to Italy on Thursday to sign a six-month contract.