Raúl Jiménez Agrees with Messi: Rivalry Talk Is Overblown
The rivalry between Mexico and Argentina on the football pitch has always been a hot topic, especially among fans in North America. But Raúl Jiménez, one of Mexico’s top forwards, has just poured cold water on the idea. Following Lionel Messi’s comments about the supposed hostility between the two footballing nations, Jiménez stepped up and agreed—the fierce rivalry is more fiction than fact.
Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, recently said he doesn’t really get the hype around this so-called rivalry. According to him, Argentina’s long list of international trophies and big-match successes put them in a different league than Mexico. It’s hard to argue against a team that’s added another star to their crest less than two years ago, while Mexico still chases their first-ever senior World Cup final.
Jiménez, playing his club football at Fulham in England, backed up Messi’s take. He pointed out that Argentina has a richer history, more experience at the top, and a list of famous names that have left their mark across the world. He also noted how, while Mexican fans often fuel the rivalry narrative, especially during tournament build-ups, the stats just don’t support the idea that these two are on equal footing. Jiménez admitted that he gets why Mexican supporters might see every big match against Argentina as an epic showdown. But when it comes to actual achievements, the scales tilt heavily in favor of the Argentines.
Some might see Jiménez’s honesty as a bit of a betrayal, especially among Mexican diehards who see every clash with Argentina as high drama. Still, there’s a refreshing level of realism here. He acknowledged the passion of Mexican fans but stressed that Argentina’s list of achievements and 'footballing DNA' make them the more accomplished side. Messi echoed something similar, saying he actually feels plenty of love from Mexican fans every time he plays there. It’s a reminder that sometimes the so-called animosity is more about fan banter than any real mutual dislike between players or teams.
Eyes on Switzerland, Turkey, and the Gold Cup
While the debate over rivalries rages on, the Mexico national team has its attention on actual football business. With big friendlies against Switzerland on June 14 and Turkey on June 10 lined up, they’re fine-tuning their squad and tactics before the start of their Gold Cup campaign. Their opening Gold Cup fixture against the Dominican Republic falls on the same day as the Swiss clash, showing just how packed their calendar has become.
All eyes will be on how Mexico handles these crucial matches. For fans, it’s another chance to watch their team step up, regardless of imaginary rivalries. For Jiménez and his teammates, it’s clear the focus will stay on the pitch—earning results and building their own legacy, not chasing Argentina’s shadow.
