Nahuel Guzmán’s last string snapped

Oh, Nahuel. Once again, you, Nahuel. Inexplicably, even injured and off the field, you don’t relinquish the spotlight and the shameful episodes.

Let’s start with something, your quality between the posts is undeniable. The hierarchy and experience you display in crucial moments have translated into multiple titles since your arrival in Mexican football. In that aspect, there’s no argument. You have solidified yourself as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Mexican football, and that cannot be overlooked.

5 Liga MX titles might sound easy, but very few have achieved it. In each of them, you have been key (not to say decisive).

But today, I’m here to talk about other matters. Those that have tarnished your great career in Mexican football and, surely, the reason why many fail to give you the value you deserve FOOTBALL-WISE.

Yes, I put it in capitals because-unfortunately- in terms of discipline and off-field behavior, the story is completely different.

From the aggressions against multiple players, I remember very well the kick to the Atlas player, ‘El Mudo’ Aguirre. A completely intentional elbow to Edgar Méndez. And how could we forget when you collided with the goalpost with Nico Castillo.

To these kinds of details, which people decided to nickname ‘Nahueladas’, are added also very shameful episodes like when you threw an object at the Monterrey women’s footballers in a Liga MX Femenil derby. I also remember when you tore a piece of grass from the Rayados stadium and also when you mocked the same fans of the team. I have to admit, that one made me laugh.

That competitive spirit, which is part of your personality and understanding of the sport, has led you to win many titles, but it has also led you to lose your head and put your team in unfavorable situations. To find a very quick example, the two Liga MX finals against América. At the moment when your team needed you most to seek a miracle, indiscipline practically handed the championship to the opponent.

On the other hand, I remember perfectly that historic goal against Allianza FC in the Concacaf Champions League. You became a hero and scored that miraculous goal in the last minutes to prevent a failure and, in turn, qualify your team for the next round. Decisive, that word represents you.

We can go on and on with chapters like this, such as when you lost the Concacaf final against León and immediately sought to confront the players of the opposing team, looking for a fight with everyone. I insist, that competitive spirit is valuable, but not when it is confused with not knowing how to lose.

I have to admit it, I thought this recount of sublime moments would culminate with that artistic performance where you dressed as a mime and magician; you pulled a streamer out of your mouth in the Leagues Cup. You never cease to amaze us, and on that occasion, even though I don’t think they should have allowed it, in the end, the result proved you right and you achieved your goal.

I also have to admit, in these days where sports have become very monotonous, characters like you contribute to the industry, but the line is very thin between what’s fun and what’s unpleasant.

What happened last Saturday, for example, was very unpleasant. Foolish are those who thought that even off the field you wouldn’t make yourself noticed. Using a laser (which can also cause harm to health) to distract and gain an advantage over the opponent seems like a very low and tasteless act to me.

Mexican football has been fighting against violence and discriminatory acts in stadiums for a long time, and unfortunately, we are still far from eradicating these kinds of actions. The least we could expect from the players (who play the role of main actors) is to lead by example. And it turns out that one of the most media-covered players in our league has sought to convey the completely opposite message.

According to the regulations, what Nahuel did should be punished as “Inappropriate Conduct,” and the punishment can range from 1 to 3 match suspensions and a fine. All of this is written, but Liga MX could determine a more severe punishment if deemed necessary.

It’s clear to me that “Patón” tends to lose some cables, especially when he’s on the field, but this time, it seems to me, he crossed any limit. And not because of how serious it could be to aim with a laser, but what lies behind it. What goes through one’s head? What could he have been thinking when he bought such a device? Did he think it was a good joke?

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