Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto Wants el Tri to Bring Home the Cup

Photo Credit: presidencia.gob.mx

By Francisco Romero

On behalf of the 23 players, coaches and staff of the Mexican National Soccer Team, Captain Rafael Marquez was handed the Mexican Flag by Mexico’s president Enrique Peña Nieto in a traditional ceremony held the National Palace in Mexico City.

During the ceremony, the President of Mexico, urged “El Tri” to write a new chapter in Mexican sports and asked them to bring the World Cup home.

“Mexico believes in you,” he told them. “You represent a new generation of successful Mexicans,” he added.

Rafael Marquez echoed the words of Mexico’s President, “Our main goal is to win the World Cup,” he said.

Mexico’s Manager, Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera spoke somewhat nervous during the ceremony, but assured Mexico’s President and the country that “El Tri” should make it to quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup.

Honoring the team, the Mexican Post Office was approved a Mexican National Soccer Team stamp by President Enrique Peña Nieto. The stamp portrays the figures of current players such as Javier Hernández, Miguel Layún, Rafael Márquez, Carlos Peña and Oribe Peralta.

It was a very formal, eloquent and emotional ceremony. Players, coaches and staff as well as President Peña Nieto wore dark suites with a green ties.

After the formalities concluded the players took time with the President to take selfies.

Mexico’s will open World Cup play against Cameroon June 13. Mexico will play in Group A along with Brazil, Cameroon and Croatia. Mexico will face Brazil in its second game.

Mexico will play three friendly games before heading to Brazil (May, 28 vs Israel, May 31 vs Ecuador and June 3 vs Bosnia).