Mexico National Team head coach Javier Aguirre has allowed players Guillermo Martinez and Erik Lira to attend the Clausura 2026 second-leg final between Pumas and Cruz Azul.
The permission was granted on Friday, May 22, 2026. Both players will travel to Estadio Olimpico Universitario for the match on Sunday, May 24.
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According to reports from adn40. mx and marca.
com, the authorization is limited to supporting their club teammates from the stands. They will not participate in the match.
Aguirre Defends Decision
Aguirre highlighted the commitment both players showed to their clubs throughout the tournament.
He defended the emotional connection between players and their teams during the decisive Liga MX championship series.
"It seems fair to me.
They competed with them (Pumas and Cruz Azul), that they go greet their teammates seems healthy to me.
They will appreciate it, I see nothing wrong with celebrating or being shoulder to shoulder with the defeated," Aguirre said.
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The decision reflects a flexible group management style by the national coach. He views the gesture as a way to strengthen the players' sense of belonging.
Both selected players must report back to the national team camp immediately after the match concludes.
"Memo and Lira, it seems fair to me because they competed with them, because they were there the whole league, they can go greet their teammates," Aguirre added.
The manager emphasized the human element behind his choice, dismissing potential criticism about enforcing a completely closed camp during official preparations.
"I think it's even healthy that they go...
I see nothing wrong with a Sunday that they can attend to celebrate or to be shoulder to shoulder with the defeated," Aguirre said.
The domestic final comes amid high tension and intense media coverage. Cruz Azul, under manager Joel Huiqui, has four wins and one draw in their last five matches.
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Pumas UNAM enters as the regular-season leader with one of the most productive offenses.
