Recently, in an interview with FIFA, legendary Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa spoke about his career.

With nearly 20 years between his first and last FIFA World Cup appearances, Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa is approaching the final chapter of his brilliant and lengthy national team career, making this tournament his last FIFA World Cup journey.

Back in 2020, he made a profound statement: "Qatar might be my final stop." However, as 2026 approaches, the veteran's stance has changed. His performances on the field drove him to fight for a return to the national team squad, and he ultimately succeeded, setting off on his sixth FIFA World Cup.

Although he was on the bench for Mexico's opening-match victory over South Africa, he still profoundly felt the weight of history.

He stated: "I want to dedicate my career to those who have always supported me in Mexico and around the world. Their love, especially their support for me off the field, reassures me that the choices I made along the way were the right ones, and proves that I did many things right."

Ochoa's FIFA World Cup journey has not been easy. He took part in the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup as a Standard Liège player and also featured in the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup during his second stint with Club América. After that, he returned to Europe in search of opportunities, but his path back to the national team gradually became more difficult.

Under coach Javier Aguirre, the Mexican team even failed to qualify for the 2024 Copa América, and the team's veterans came under external scrutiny, with Ochoa being no exception.

Subsequently, competition for the starting goalkeeper position was exceptionally fierce. A total of 8 goalkeepers remained on the watch list until the final 26-man squad was determined. These included Álex Padilla, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, as well as Malagón and Rangel from Mexican league teams Club América and Guadalajara.

Before the FIFA World Cup began, however, Malagón suffered a serious injury, opening the door for Ochoa's return. With his wealth of experience and reliable technique, he was ultimately recalled and warmly welcomed by his teammates.

Young midfielder Hirving Lozano said candidly: "Ochoa is my idol. When I was a child watching national team games, he was always making crucial saves in goal. Now, playing alongside him is a dream come true for me."

On the eve of the FIFA World Cup, Ochoa returned to the field after 565 days away from the national team, coming on as a substitute in a friendly. The entire stadium rose to applaud him, and Edson Álvarez even handed him the captain's armband.

Goalkeeper Rangel said after the match: "It was truly moving to see people support and love him so much, and it also motivates me to earn the fans' recognition."

In this tournament, Aguirre has already used 22 of the 26 players on the roster, so Ochoa still has a chance to play in the final group-stage match against the Czech Republic at the stadium where he made his professional debut more than 20 years ago.

Looking back on his career, Ochoa's FIFA World Cup journey has been full of ups and downs: in 2006, he was only the third-choice goalkeeper; in 2010, he was temporarily sidelined and missed out on playing; in 2014, 2018, and 2022, he gradually became a national team icon, and now he is approaching his farewell moment.

He said in the interview: "Those experiences kept me moving forward, spurred me on to go to Europe, to grow, and ultimately allowed me to reach the level I had hoped to display at the FIFA World Cup."

Now, at 40, he has a different understanding of everything: "These are my last moments as an international player, so every day I wake up grateful, smiling, and enjoying it all."

When Mexico's journey in this FIFA World Cup concludes, this legendary goalkeeper's national team career will also come to an end, marking the end of an era.

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