Why is Mexico playing Valencia CF during the October international break?

The CONCACAF Nations League returns this week with more group stage games from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Confederacy’s top four seeds – Panama, Canada, Mexico and the United States – Do not enter until the quarterfinals begin next month. This gives these nations two weeks to organize friendly matches.

Mexico has taken the unusual step of hosting a game against a club team. Valencia CF the LaLiga. The Spanish team had a difficult start to the domestic season, winning only one of their first nine league games under head coach Rubén Baraja.

Valencia will travel to Cuauhtémoc Stadium in Puebla, Mexico for the one-off match. A statement on the club website describes the game as an opportunity to do just that “Get closer to the fans on the other side of the Atlantic” citing Mexico as part of the club’s “international expansion project.”

The game also offers an opportunity to pay tribute to a Mexican icon with close ties to Valencia. Andres Guardado announced his resignation He came out of the Mexican national team last year and ended his 18-year career with El Tri. However, the 38-year-old, who now plays for Club León, was surprisingly included in the Mexican squad for October’s friendlies.

He is the 27th player on the roster so may not see any time on the field, but he will compete against him former team Valencia. After five years at Deportivo La Coruña, Guardado spent three years at Valencia. After success with Depor, he struggled for form in Valencia but was able to end his brilliant international career Go Ches.