The Azteca Stadium not only reopened its doors to show off its new face, but also to be the scene of one of the most acid tests that Javier “Vasco” Aguirre’s process has faced.
After the final whistle blew for the 0-0 draw against the mighty Portugal (number 5 in the FIFA ranking), the national coach did not mince words and launched a sentence that is already setting social networks ablaze: his players have “pants”.
Aguirre speaks after Mexico vs Portugal
🗣 “Here you have to have sizes and pants for us to be. The fans always demand us to win.”
Javier Aguirre is blunt about the booing of the Mexican National Team in the return of the 🏟 Banorte pic.twitter.com/FaH0oOPhn3
– Universal Deportes (@UnivDeportes) March 29, 2026
With his characteristic intensity, Aguirre appeared before the media with a look of restrained satisfaction.
For the tactician, the result goes beyond the score; it is about the mental posture of his players against world-class players.
“I think these players passed this test of fire. You have to have pants, that the player does not hide and in the end these players did not hide against a top team like Portugal,” said the ‘Vasco’.
He stressed that in top-level soccer, personality is as important as tactics.
The match was a real trench war in the midfield.
Portugal dominated, yes, but Mexico knew how to suffer.
Although Pedro Neto spared El Tri’s life in the final moments of the match due to a lack of decisiveness, Aguirre preferred to see the glass as half full, highlighting that defensive order was the key to not leaving their own temple humiliated.
El Tri hospital and the Fidalgo factor
🗣️ “When you naturalize someone it is to make a resounding difference”.
Christian Martinoli EXPLODED during Mexico vs Portugal 🤯 #MiSelecciónAzteca #MexicoVSPortugal pic.twitter.com/cZFdGaxwbr
– TV Azteca Deportes (@AztecaDeportes) March 29, 2026
One of the most revealing points of the talk was the confession about the physical condition of the team.
Aguirre revealed that the team is rowing against the tide with 12 injured players, which has forced him to improvise and look for solutions under the rocks.
Despite the absence of the “stellar” players, the coach feels that the group responded to the challenge.
Regarding the names, the “Vasco” gave the go-ahead to the debut of Álvaro Fidalgo.
The naturalized Spaniard, whose call-up generated a national debate on programs such as Los Jefes, passed his first exam with flying colors.
“I liked Fidalgo’s personality. He integrated quickly, asked for the ball and was participative,” said the coach, confirming that “Maguito” has a serious place in his World Cup plans.
He also had words for the hero of the night, José Raúl “Tala” Rangel.
Although he acknowledged that the Chivas goalkeeper still needs to polish his clearances, he applauded the confidence he is gaining under the three posts, making it clear that the competition for the starting lineup is more lively than ever.
The road to Chicago and Group A
Intense draw with character. 👊
We drew against Portugal at the @EstadioBanorte, in a duel in preparation for the big match. 🙌#LaCrónica, presented by @PinturasComex
📝 https://t.co/m3U4S313sk#SomosMéxico 🇲🇽* Advertising for Mexico pic.twitter.com/4l1qqwPbrg
– National Selection (@miseleccionmx) March 29, 2026
Mexico has no time to celebrate the draw.
This same Tuesday, El Tri will face Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago, another elite opponent that will test whether what was seen at the Azteca was a real improvement or a mirage of a fortunate night.
With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, where Mexico will share Group A with South Africa, South Korea and the winner of the European playoff (Denmark or Czech Republic), every minute counts.
Aguirre knows it: it is no longer a matter of “putting in the effort”, but of consolidating a style that not only depends on having “pants”, but also on having the ball.
Do you agree with Vasco that El Tri passed the test or do you think Portugal simply spared us?
Filed under: Aguirre Mexico vs Portugal
