Orbelín Pineda: The Heartwarming Gesture After Mexico’s Concacaf Nations League Final

Despite being left on the bench by Mexico’s head coach, Javier Aguirre, during the Concacaf Nations League matches, AEK midfielder Orbelín Pineda showcased his importance to ‘El Tri’ with a single gesture. Mexico’s victory in the Concacaf Nations League final (2-1) over Panama—where Pineda came on as a late substitute in the 90’+6 minute and didn’t play at all in the semifinal against Canada—created memorable moments of celebration at SoFi Stadium. One such moment was when Pineda invited legendary Mexican player Andrés Guardado to join in the post-game celebrations. Demonstrating great team spirit and respect, Pineda acknowledged Guardado’s indelible mark on Mexican football history. Although Guardado, who wasn’t part of the tournament roster, initially watched the final from the stands and gestured for Pineda to stay within the field lines, he eventually joined the players on the pitch to celebrate the title win. Pineda’s invitation to Guardado was seen as an act of recognition and respect for a player who has been a role model for generations of Mexican footballers.