When Guillermo Ochoa stepped onto the pitch in the 78th minute of Mexico’s match with Czechia on Wednesday night, the stadium let out a roar that seemed to reverberate across the country and beyond.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Clad in a purple jersey and shorts, a misty-eyed Ochoa made the sign of the cross and high-fived a handful of teammates.
Edson Álvarez gave him the captain’s armband and then “Memo,” as the legendary goalkeeper is affectionately nicknamed, jogged over to the goal in Estadio Azteca, his signature curls bouncing with him.Ochoa’s jersey was branded with a commemorative patch marking his sixth World Cup, an exclusive club with just two other members: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
He had already indicated he’d retire after this one.Guillermo Ochoa stands on the touchline as he waits to come on as substitute during the match between Czechia and Mexico.Ryan Pierse - FIFA / FIFA via Getty ImagesOchoa, who turns 41 next month, is hanging up his gloves after six World Cup selections, more than 150 national team games, six CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and an Olympic bronze medal.“I felt that Memo had to play.For how long? I didn’t know,” Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre told reporters post-match.
“But I knew it was a night for Mexico to enjoy its legend that is Memo Ochoa.”And he had his moment: A long goal kick from Ochoa began a play that ended with teammate Alvaro Fidalgo scoring.Mexico, which has never lost a World Cup game on that sacred pitch, won 3-0 in front of a crowd of nearly 81,000.It was a poetic return to the stadium where Ochoa kicked off his career at Club América as a fresh-faced 19-year-old before he left Mexico for Europe and went on to establish himself as an undisputed starter in front of his national team’s goal.
“Being able to close it out here at Estadio Azteca — with my people, with my family, a World Cup — ...