The match, beyond being competitive, turned into a close and authentic spectacle, in which content creators such as Juank Pérez, popular for his '7000 goals' retro trend on TikTok, also participated. The visit was not limited to the field, as after the match, the former footballers mingled with dozens of fans, signed jerseys, took photos, and walked through the streets of the so-called 'Barrio Bravo', where they were able to get to know the popular essence of the area. They were even seen in markets, tianguis (street markets), and traveling on motorcycles, an experience that broke with the usual protocols for international figures. 'The experience of the Portuguese footballers at the Maracaná of Tepito in Mexico City was simply unforgettable. The legends of the Portugal national team lit up the pre-match atmosphere for the game against Mexico at the Banorte Stadium with a visit that did not go unnoticed, but which players were at the event? Far from the spotlights of the big stadiums, former figures of Lusitanian football gathered in Tepito, an iconic neighborhood of Mexico City, to play a 'retinha brava'. On the field known as the 'Maracaná of Tepito', heavyweights like Rui Patricio and Nuno Gomes once again felt the intensity of the game, proving that quality remains intact despite the passage of time. 'In one of the most challenging neighborhoods in the world, we always felt safe,' declared 'Madjer', historic beach football goalscorer. The Portuguese footballers who played a small football game in Tepito were the following: Ditesse Fernandes: Former player and commentator for Benfica's women's team. Rui Patricio: Former Portuguese national team goalkeeper, debuted with Sporting, a team currently playing in the Champions League quarter-finals. João Víctor Saraiva 'Madjer': Was the goalscorer for the Portuguese beach football team. Nuno Gomes: Forward for the Portugal national team. Hélder Postiga: Midfielder for the UEFA team, debuted at Porto under José Mourinho in 2001. Ricardinho: Unlike the others, he played futsal. Fernando Meira: Central defender, international player, also played for Real Zaragoza in LaLiga. Their agenda in Mexico did not end there; the Lusitanian legends also have an event planned with fans this Friday, March 27, at the Cervecería de Barrio (Alameda branch) starting at 6:00 p.m. Central Mexico Time, where, despite the registration being closed, close interaction with followers, autograph signings, photos, and dynamics with prizes are expected. This sporting event was a prelude to the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at the Banorte Stadium, starting at 7:00 p.m. Central Mexico Time. The match serves as preparation for the 2026 World Cup and features figures such as Paulinho, Toluca's goalscorer, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha, players who are having a great moment in European football. However, one of the most notable absences is Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not travel due to an injury. Even so, the Portuguese team maintains a competitive squad that will test the Mexican team. To watch the match live, you have the following options: Azteca Deportes, VIX Premium.
