Alexis Vega confirms desire to move to Europe and play in the 2022 World Cup

With three months until the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mexican national team and Chivas de Guadalajara forward Alexis Vega insists El Tri remains ‘very focused’ on ‘fine-tuning every detail’.

Mexico qualified to the international tournament after concluding the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers in second place on the table with 28 points in 14 games and a record of 8W-2L-4D.

But despite tying with Canada in points, and trumping the USMNT in standings, the Mexican national team was not satisfied with their results. 

El Tri failed to defeat Canada and the United States when hosting both sides at the Estadio Azteca, and lost to the Americans 2-0 when visiting TQL Stadium. And since the qualifiers, El Tri has looked mediocre when playing World Cup-bound nations. 

But Vega maintained that the Mexican side is working to improve several errors seen in the building to the tournament. 

“It’s a very focused squad. We’re working very hard, fine-tuning every detail. We have two concentrations left, which we can take advantage of to work through certain errors. But we’re ready to give a good game,” he said exclusively to 90min. 

Vega played an integral role in the team’s qualification process, often leading Mexico’s attack against Concacaf nations. He scored against Jamaica during the September window to inspire the 2-1 victory, and managed the winning goal against the Reggae Boyz in January for another 2-1 scoreline. 

Vega also led Mexico to the Bronze medal at the delayed 2020 Olympics in Japan, scoring three goals to inspire the triumphant run. 

His international career, coupled with several standout seasons in Liga MX, has boosted transfer rumors, with the latest being a move to dutch side PSV Eindhoven. Though the player did not secure a move abroad this summer, and instead signed a contract extension with Chivas, the thought of playing in Europe remains. 

“The dream to go to Europe remains intact. Obviously, I re-signed with Chivas with the illusion of making and playing in the World Cup, but the idea doesn’t leave my mind. I’m sure, and again if I keep working hard, the opportunities will come,” he said exclusively to 90min. 

“And when the moment comes, I will move to European football.”

Should he finalize a deal with the Dutch side, he would be the fifth Mexican currently in the Eredivisie, joining figures Erick Gutierrez, Santiago Gimenez, Edson Alvarez and Jorge Sanchez.