Checo Pérez cannot choose between Spain and Argentina in the Final

Two victories mark the beginning of Apertura 2026

Almost two months after the Clausura 2026 final between Pumas and Cruz Azul, Mexican soccer resumed activity. This Thursday, July 16, the Apertura 2026 started with two matches full of goals.

In the opening game, Necaxa beat Atlante 2-1, a team that returned to the First Division. The Rays added their first three points and left the return of the Iron Colts without joy.

In the second match, Tijuana beat Tigres 3-1 at the Caliente Stadium. Mourad El Ghezouan led the offensive to give the hosts their first win of the semester.

Six teams debut this Friday

The opening day continues today with three games. León receives Atlas at 7:00 p.m. at the León Stadium, broadcast on FOX/FOX One.

Atlético San Luis faces Cruz Azul at the Libertad Financiera Stadium at 7:00 p.m., with an ESPN/Disney+ Premium/ViX Premium signal.

Finally, FC Juárez receives Puebla at 9:00 p.m. at the Olympic Benito Juárez, broadcast by Azteca 7 and FOX/FOX One.

With these results, the new Liga MX season promises intense competition from the start. All teams are looking to position themselves early in the table.

Debut at home with a new era

Rayados de Monterrey faces the Apertura 2026 of Liga MX with high expectations. Under the direction of Matías Almeyda, the team is looking for a solid start that will make a difference in the tournament. The fans have placed their trust in the Argentine strategist, who will try to return consistent play to the club and fight for the title.

The only addition so far is the Uruguayan Diego Rossi, from the Columbus Crew of the MLS. His arrival generates hope, but the squad maintains the base of the previous tournament.

Date and rival

The first challenge will be against Santos, on Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the BBVA Stadium (Steel Giant). The broadcast will be carried out by TUDN and Channel 5. The Laguneros want to leave behind a bad past tournament, but they visit Rayados equally in need of redemption.

The Monterrey team knows that a good start can define the direction of the semester. The fans are attentive and trust that the new helmsman and the few reinforcements will make a difference.

Lionel Messi responded to the questions against Argentina and made it clear that success in the World Cup does not respond to referee favors or privileges.

“Nobody gave us anything,” said the captain after reaching the final.

The comeback against England

The Albiceleste beat England 2-1 in the semifinals after trailing 1-0 until the 85th minute. The victory sparked celebrations in Buenos Aires and placed the team one step away from winning consecutive world championships, with Spain as its rival in the final.

Doubts arose in previous matches against Cape Verde, Switzerland and Egypt, where rivals and coaches pointed out referee decisions that they considered favorable to the Argentine team. Swiss coach Murat Yakin and Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan cited alleged irregularities during their eliminations.

Messi rejected these versions and highlighted the group’s consistency throughout the World Cup cycle.

“We were the best in these four years, no matter who it hurts and no matter what they say,” said the forward, who assured that reaching two finals in a row shows the strength of the team.

The controversy over the Malvinas banner

The semifinal also left an episode off the field: some Argentine players celebrated with a banner alluding to the Malvinas Islands. The British government asked FIFA to investigate the incident.

Coach Lionel Scaloni considered that the accusations of referee help will continue, but pointed out that with the VAR it is difficult for there to be undue benefits. Both he and Messi defended the integrity of the team and emphasized that success is the result of a collective effort.