One of the most anticipated friendlies of early 2025 is set to take place on January 22nd, when Argentina's iconic River Plate will host the Mexican National Team at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires. Fans from both countries have been buzzing with excitement, eager to see how the two squads stack up ahead of major international tournaments like the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This game isn’t just about pride—it’s also a chance for players to prove themselves and coaches to test out new strategies. With both teams in a transition phase, the clash between River Plate and México is shaping up to be more than just a typical exhibition match.

For football lovers across South America and beyond, this fixture brings together two strong footballing cultures. River Plate, one of Argentina's most storied clubs, is known for its attacking flair, passionate fanbase, and strong academy system. Meanwhile, the Mexican National Team, often referred to simply as “El Tri,” has a reputation for technical play, solid organization, and a deep connection with its supporters in both Mexico and the U.S.

As the match date approaches, fans and analysts alike are speculating about lineups, formations, and key players to watch. Whether you're a die-hard fan of River Plate or cheering for México, there's a lot to unpack about this upcoming friendly. Let’s dive into what makes this match special, the history between the teams, and what’s at stake.

• Erinn Bartlett

Table of Contents

• A Historical Look at River Plate vs México
• Match Details: Where, When, and How to Watch
• Expected Lineups and Key Players
• Why This Friendly Matters for Both Teams
• What Fans Are Saying
• Frequently Asked Questions

A Historical Look at River Plate vs México

While River Plate is a club and México is a national team, they’ve crossed paths in various competitions and friendlies over the years. Typically, these matches are part of pre-season tours or international friendlies aimed at preparing for major tournaments. River Plate has a long-standing tradition of playing against top teams from around the world, and Mexico has always been a popular destination for South American clubs looking to test themselves against different styles of play.

Matches between River Plate and Mexican sides usually draw large crowds, especially in the U.S., where many fans of both teams live. The rivalry is friendly but competitive, with each side trying to prove its tactical and technical superiority. Historically, these games have often been tightly contested, with the result frequently coming down to small details like set pieces or individual moments of brilliance.

For Mexico, facing River Plate offers a chance to measure itself against one of Argentina’s elite clubs. For River Plate, it’s a way to engage with fans abroad and prepare for the upcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

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Match Details: Where, When, and How to Watch

The River Plate vs México friendly is set for January 22, 2025, at 00:00 UTC, which translates to the night of January 21 in Buenos Aires. The match will be played at the iconic Estadio Mâs Monumental, home of River Plate and one of the most recognizable venues in South American football.

For fans who can’t make it to the stadium, the game will be broadcast on major sports networks across Argentina, Mexico, and the U.S. Streaming options will also be available through official league and federation channels. You can check live results, stats, and in-game commentary through platforms like example.com and other football news sites.

It’s worth noting that the game will be part of a larger schedule of friendlies leading up to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams are expected to use the match as a testing ground for younger players and tactical variations.

Expected Lineups and Key Players

While final lineups won’t be confirmed until closer to kickoff, early reports suggest that both River Plate and México will field a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. River Plate manager Martín Demichelis is likely to experiment with formations and give minutes to players who haven’t had much playing time recently.

On the River Plate side, keep an eye on players like Enzo Pérez, who brings leadership and composure in midfield, and Miguel Borja, whose finishing ability could be key in front of goal. Manuel Lanzini, a fan favorite, might also get some time on the pitch, especially if the game remains tight.

For México, head coach Javier Aguirre will probably go with a combination of veterans and younger faces. Players like Edson Álvarez, who plays in Europe, will be expected to anchor the midfield, while strikers like Raúl Jiménez and Henry Martín will look to capitalize on scoring chances.

It’s also possible that both teams will rotate players heavily in the second half, giving fans a chance to see some less-familiar faces make an impact.

Why This Friendly Matters for Both Teams

At first glance, a friendly might not seem like a big deal, but for both River Plate and México, this match holds more significance than just a warm-up game. For River Plate, it’s a way to test their squad depth and see how their younger players handle pressure against a national team.

On the other hand, México is using this match as part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With the competition for spots in the national squad heating up, this game offers a chance for players to make their case for inclusion in the starting XI.

Another important angle is the tactical experimentation. Both teams could try out new formations or strategies that might not be seen in official games. For River Plate, this could include testing different pressing schemes or attacking patterns. For México, it might mean experimenting with a back three or using a false nine in attack.

Finally, there’s the commercial and cultural side of the match. Games between South American clubs and national teams from CONCACAF are often big draws, especially in North America. The revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and merchandise is significant, and it also helps both teams expand their global fanbase.

What Fans Are Saying

Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many excited to see such a high-profile match take place in Argentina. Social media has been buzzing with predictions, lineup suggestions, and even a few lighthearted jabs between supporters of both teams.

Some River Plate fans are hoping to see a strong performance that proves the club can compete against national teams from outside South America. Others are just looking forward to seeing the team in action at the Monumental, which is always a special atmosphere.

México fans, on the other hand, are curious to see how the team responds to a physical and technically demanding opponent like River Plate. Many are hopeful that younger players will step up and make a name for themselves ahead of the 2026 qualifiers.

There’s also been some talk about the potential for a return friendly in Mexico later in the year, which could further strengthen the connection between the two footballing cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the River Plate vs México match?

The match is scheduled for January 22, 2025, at 00:00 UTC, which is January 21 at night in Buenos Aires. It will be played at the Estadio Mâs Monumental, the home of River Plate.

Where can I watch River Plate vs México live?

The game will be broadcast on major sports channels in Argentina, Mexico, and the U.S. Fans can also stream it through official football platforms and websites. For the latest updates and live commentary, check out the page for match insights.

Will this match affect upcoming tournaments for either team?

While it’s a friendly, both teams are using it as part of their preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Players are likely to use the match to earn a spot in the starting lineup, and coaches may test new strategies or formations that could be used in official games.