Mexico coach Gerardo Martino is set to vacate his post at the end of the World Cup in Qatar, with the Argentinian manager set to return to his native country and spend time with his family.
'Tata' Martino, 60, is set to step down from the Mexico national team after the tournament in Qatar, according to Mexican outlet Record, with El Tri on the verge of a first group stage exit since 1978.
Record had also reported that the decision was likely to come back in July, and the Argentinian former Barcelona boss is thought to be keen on spending more time with his infant granddaughter.
The Mexican federation were reportedly keen on extending Martino's deal after the competition, with a view to taking charge at the next finals.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the north American continent, with games played in each of Canada, USA and Mexico.
It is thought that the stagnant performances of the Mexican side in Qatar have cooled the federation's interest in pursuing another deal with Martino.
Bottom of Group C, El Tri have struggled to make their mark in Qatar with no goals and a single point to their name.
A dreary and drab goalless tie with Poland in their opening game was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, courtesy of an inspired performance from Lionel Messi, who scored and assisted on the night to put the Albiceleste second in Group C.
On the cusp of elimination, Mexico will need a win for Argentina over Poland as well as a hefty margin of victory against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to progress to the second round of the competition.
The last time Mexico fell at the first hurdle came in 1978, when they finished 4th behind Poland, West Germany and Tunisia, progressing to the second round in every tournament they have reached since.
El Tri's loss to Messi and Co saw an unexpected exchange between Mexican boxing star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and both Messi and Sergio Aguero, with the fighter contending that Messi had cleaned the floor with a Mexican shirt after the game.
Aguero - a long-time friend and room-mate of Messi's on the road - waded in to defend his old team-mate, before being called 'hypocrite' and a 'b******' by Alvarez on Twitter.
MikaelGuerrero
0
I wonder why he didn’t call up Carlos Vela and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez
someone don't like chicharito personal reasons which is dumb I rather work with someone I hate and win
TheDuke001
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Gerardo Martino sold the game to Argentina. How can a team that failed to beat Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. Remember this guy was recommended by Messi to coach Barca.
so when Argentina beat Poland, you'll say the coach sold the match too, because Poland beat Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia won against Argentina
Suigetsu
1
I wonder why he didn’t call up Carlos Vela and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez
dowaciprz
1
It will impossible to beat this energetic saudi with a team that has left 4 strikers at home
TheDuke001
1
Gerardo Martino sold the game to Argentina. How can a team that failed to beat Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. Remember this guy was recommended by Messi to coach Barca.
Could someone be more daft🤣
kutabcdimn
0
Gerardo Martino sold the game to Argentina. How can a team that failed to beat Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. Remember this guy was recommended by Messi to coach Barca.
I realize that a lot of us don’t know anything about football what’s the kind of thinking is this🙄
Abdulaiganiu
1
Gerardo Martino sold the game to Argentina. How can a team that failed to beat Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. Remember this guy was recommended by Messi to coach Barca.
Shallow thinker 🤡, Japan beat Germany but lost to Costa Rica
zaueiklpsz
0
Gerardo Martino sold the game to Argentina. How can a team that failed to beat Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. Remember this guy was recommended by Messi to coach Barca.
I pity you
Kinetics231
2
Gerardo Martino sold the game to Argentina. How can a team that failed to beat Saudi Arabia beat Mexico. Remember this guy was recommended by Messi to coach Barca.