The2021 CONCACAF Gold Cupmarks the16thCONCACAFGold Cup, an international, biennial, men’s soccer competition organized by the CONCACAF football governing body in North America, Central American, and the Caribbean.
Originally scheduled forJuly 2toJuly 25,2021, the internationalsoccertournamenthas now begun onJuly 10 and will end onAugust 1. The defending champions areMexico, who won the 2019 edition. The CONCACAF Gold Cup will be used for the first time with the video assistant (VAR) system.
The Gold Cupwill be held at 11 stadiums across eight metropolitan areas of theUnited Statesthis summer. Itis a major part of Concacaf’s 60th-anniversary celebration. The final match will be held on Sunday, August 1, atAllegiant Stadiumin Las Vegas.
Gold Cup 2021: Why is Carlos Vela not playing for Mexico?
Carlos Vela of Mexico celebrates after scoring at the 2018 World Cup. (Getty)
Mexico head to theGold Cup 2021as favorites to claim a back-to-back title asGerardo Martinosubmitted a powerfullist of playersto seek thetrophy. However, Carlos Velawon’t be part of thesquad to fight for another championship. In fact, he hasn’t been featured for the Mexican national team for exactlythree years.
Carlos Vela last played for El Triduring the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and since then he has stated that it is time for a new generation of players to emerge.The Los Angeles FC captain, who is one of thefinest MLS players at the moment, is yet to retire from international soccer, buthis name is more than often associated with the national team.
As soon asGerardo Martino had become the head coach of the Mexican national team in 2019,he traveled to Los Angeles in Californiato discuss a possible national team comeback forVela. However, as per the manager, the now 32-year-old striker was not committed to returning just yet.
“When I talked to Carlos,he told me that he wanted to focus on his team, LAFC,and spend time with his family.So after that meeting, it was clear to me that his time with the national team was over,”Martino toldLos Angeles Times. “Carlos is a very smart person and he knows exactly what he wants. So it was very important for me to meet with him, hear his thoughts and make a decision with him in peace. Hehas been like that throughout his career.”
