Four reasons for Mexico fans to be thankful

Look, I know. It hasn’t been a great year for the Mexico National Team. Ultimately, there wasn’t a “Quinto Partido” at the World Cup, the Federation looks to be in shambles, and Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti’s end of the year tenure was a total disaster.

Obviously this doesn't paint a good picture for next year, but you have to trust brighter times are ahead. Because today is Thanksgiving, here are four things El Tri fans can be thankful for.

“Chucky” Lozano

It is becoming increasingly more obvious that the Mexico National team is entering the era of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. With big names like Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Andres Guardado on their way out, Lozano is becoming the focal point of this team.

Lozano’s progress has been fun to watch, and his arrow in the international stage is only pointing up. His strong play in the World Cup and at PSV Eindhoven means he has no shortage of suitors outside of the Netherlands. Sure, he still has some things to work on, but I can’t imagine a better player to embody this newer generation of Mexican players.

Up-and-coming youngsters

Speaking of newer generations, it appears that there is a healthy amount of up-and-coming youngsters worth a look at for the incoming national team coach. To name a few, Diego Lainez, Roberto Alvarado, and Marcel Ruiz are some of the brightest young talents Mexico has seen in some time.

Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

While Mexico still lacks behind other countries in the realm of development, at least in the case of Lainez, there just seems to be too much talent there for European clubs to ignore.

San Memo Ochoa

Not all heroes wear capes. Say what you want about Guillermo Ochoa, but he always comes in clutch for Mexico. At 33-years-old, he continues to be an integral part of El Tri and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of staying on with the team until 2022.

Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Most recently, he has taken more of a leadership role and has publicly challenged Liga MX owners to create a better environment for the national team.

The 2026 World Cup

Yeah, I skipped the 2022 World Cup. For the first time since I can remember, the Mexican Federation looks serious about initiating an eight-year project, and all it took was being awarded the 2026 World Cup. It seems like Gerardo “Tata” Martino (yes, it is looking more and more like that’s where the Mexican Federation is headed) will be handed the keys to developing a lot of these aforementioned youngsters, with the goal of getting these players ready for 2026.

Eight years may seem far away, but it is never too early to start dreaming.