Andrés Guardado has announced his retirement from the Mexican national team after a remarkable 16-year journey that included five World Cups.
After more than a decade and a half of dedicated service, Guardado formally bid farewell to the Mexico squad at the outset of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a message carried across his channels, Guardado expressed deep gratitude for everything he has experienced with the national team. He reflected on the privilege of representing Mexico for 16 years and acknowledged the overwhelming emotions that come with such a long, winding road of football and national pride.
Guardado wore the national colors in five World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. During his fifth World Cup appearance, he remained part of the side under the leadership of Gerardo Martino, a campaign that did not culminate in a Round of 16 berth for Mexico.
With Guardado stepping aside, Edson Álvarez is positioned to assume the mantle as captain of the national team, a role that had long been shaped by Rafael Márquez’s leadership and was anticipated to transition to Guardado. The future remains uncertain for the “Little Prince” at Real Betis as he contemplates the next chapters of his career.
Source: Goal