The team of 6 matches.

The Mexican national team passed its first test in the Copa América. Just like in school, you can pass with a 6 or a 10. In this case, El Tri did it with a 6.

We must start by acknowledging that the current state of the Mexican team hardly warrants thoughts of outstanding scores—regardless of the opponent. It’s also challenging to lose your best player and captain; the mental disconnect was evident.

There’s little to reproach the starting eleven for. You might prefer Erick Sánchez over Orbelín Pineda, or Roberto Alvarado over Uriel Antuna, but the reality is that there isn’t an abundance of talent to think Jaime Lozano made an illogical decision regarding his starting lineup.

The mission in this first matchday—especially knowing that Venezuela had beaten Ecuador—was to secure 3 points no matter what. And they have achieved that.

Football-wise, it will be very difficult to see a significant improvement in El Tri. The crisis has been ongoing for nearly 4 years, and there won’t be any considerable improvement in the short term. What could happen, however, is an even greater setback, largely caused by a lack of confidence. This underscores the importance of starting the Copa América with a victory because a loss would have provoked endless criticism and possibly a burden even harder, if not impossible, to overcome.

The Mexican national team phenomenon is very complicated to describe. While it has one of the most supportive fan bases in the world, as seen in World Cups, Gold Cups, Copa América, or even friendly matches, it can also be described as one of the most toxic fan bases.

Call-ups are never liked. The lineup is never ideal. The coach (whoever it is) is always public enemy number one. The players don’t deserve to be on the team and are considered very poor. Externally, the media talks about biased call-ups and a system that manipulates the El Tri environment. If we add a bad result to this, the combination creates a genuine fire that is impossible to extinguish. Internally, efforts have been made to shield the team so that none of this external noise affects them, but in these times it is truly impossible. A few years ago, players or coaches simply wouldn’t turn on the TV or read the newspaper, and that was enough to keep away from the noise. Not only for negative feedback but also for positive feedback, as some preferred not to listen to praise to avoid getting complacent and losing focus.

Today we live in a completely different world, and it’s impossible to isolate oneself completely. While some don’t follow sports programs on television or sports-related accounts on social media, technology and algorithms ensure that all kinds of news reach your phone, perhaps even news you weren’t actively seeking.

Moreover, who would have imagined that at some point, a fan who used to shout from the stands can now send a direct message to a football player? Sometimes these messages involve threats and insults to family members, a situation that definitely cannot be overlooked or ignored.

“United and together” is the phrase that this team has adopted for the Copa América, aiming internally to shield themselves from external influences. The victory against Jamaica now translates into a week of work with lifted spirits, preparing to face Venezuela with thoughts of topping the group rather than facing possible elimination. The media and fans may not shower praise for the manner of victory, but at least it will be days when the hashtag #FueraJimmy won’t appear.

All of this adds up, and if there’s a chance to achieve an improvement in footballing performance, it’s precisely under the tranquility that such results can provide.

Historically, the Mexican national team struggles with “favoritism.” When the responsibility is squarely on their shoulders and they are seen as superior on paper to their opponents, ghosts appear that cloud the Mexican footballer’s mind, leading to numerous failures. The role of “underdog” seems to suit the Mexican player better, sometimes rising to the occasion and meeting expectations.

Venezuela is up next, followed by Ecuador. Mexico is currently in a fortunate position, and a victory in the second matchday could mean qualification, a prospect that was in doubt for many.

Jaime Lozano and his coaching staff have set a target of 6 matches in all their previous competitions, which they have achieved twice so far (Olympic Games and Gold Cup).

The goal internally is clear: not to return to Mexico until after 6 matches, meaning reaching the final or at least the semifinals, which would guarantee a match for third place.

Will they achieve it? The road is still long, but the first step has been taken.

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