The reason why Gerardo Martino only gave Jonathan Gómez nine minutes against Guatemala

The Mexican National Team faced their Guatemalan counterpart on Wednesday night in what was their first friendly game of the year as part of the Mextour that they do around the United States every year, this time in Orlando, Florida.

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The game ended in a scoreless draw that worked to boost the confidence of the Chapines, given that they remain unbeaten since Luis Fernando Tena became their coach for the 2026 World Cup cycle, although this game was the first that they didn’t win.

For Mexico National Team and Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the game served as a showcase for players that don’t usually get the chance of wearing El Tri colors, at least not with the senior squad, like Marcelo Flores or Jordan Carrillo, who are usuals in the U-20 squad.

But the game also served to see new faces that haven’t been considered before, like David Ochoa and Jonathan Gómez, who were formed in the MLS academy teams and most of their national team process was done with the USYNT.

Why did JoGo only played nine minutes?

The 18-year-old left-back arrived at El Tri given the few options that Gerardo Martino has on that position, as the only sure player for now is Gerardo Arteaga, who has established in the Aztec squad with good, consistent performances.

But even with the talent that Gómez has, Jorge Theiler didn’t give him more than nine minutes on the pitch, as he knows that if Jonathan was able to display his talent, he could take a spot in the final roster, a spot that is already reserved to one of “Tata” Martino’s favorite players.

Even if Jesús Gallardo is not having a good season with CF Monterrey, he’s been one of the players that Martino calls to every El Tri game, which is why he already is considered by Martino to be part of the roster that plays in Qatar as the substitute left-back.

What’s Jonathan Gómez’s market value?

The 18-year-old joined Real Sociedad B during the winter transfer window as a free agent after his contract with Lousville FC ended. His arrival at the team coached by Xabi Alonso increased his market value from $315,000 to $525,000.

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