The CONCACAF Nations League clash saw the USMNT defeat Mexico 2-0 to clinch their 3rd consecutive title. The latest episode of the ‘dos a cero’ was an all-action encounter, and the match even had to be stopped twice due to fights between the supporters! Such was the passion and energy involved. Strikingly, USMNT icon Alexi Lalas said, “US-Mexico is number one (rivalry) around the world!” What could be his reasons? Let’s find out below.

In his State of the Union Podcast, Lalas was asked whether in 2024, “a US-Mexico game is a bigger occasion than a Brazil-Argentina match?” The former USMNT star agreed and described his take. He said, “For American soccer fans and Mexican soccer fans, this is everything. It’s obviously bragging rights, but again it goes into all of the different things and all of the different connections that we have.” 

But he further added, “I will readily admit that there are other countries that the game resonates and permeates through the country and culture much more.” Hence, it seems Lalas is speaking strictly from the point of view of Americans and Mexicans.

The USMNT-Mexico rivalry nicknamed the ‘dos a cero’ has a rich history dating back to the 2002 World Cup. In the tournament, Mexico was among the favorites, having topped a group with the likes of Italy and Croatia. However, in an intense knockout round with the US, they shockingly lost 2-0! This scoreline translated to Spanish as ‘dos a cero’, and a rivalry was born, which since has witnessed many a memorable encounter.

However, is the ‘dos a cero’, really bigger than the biggest rivalry in South America? Let’s put Lalas’ claim to the test.

The case of why USMNT vs Mexico falls short of the Argentina-Brazil rivalry

One reason why Argentina vs Brazil is such an exciting fixture is the unmatched quality involved. Argentina and Brazil have always been heralded as superpowers in the soccer world, and with 8 World Cups between the two countries, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Moreover, this fixture has also witnessed some of the finest players in the sport, like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo Nazario, and more lineup. By comparison, the ‘dos a cero’ falls short.

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Also, just as Lalas mentioned, the USMNT-Mexico matches would probably matter to the people of the respective countries rather than a global audience. A key reason behind this is the stakes involved. Argentina and Brazil are always in contention when it comes to the World Cups and Copa Americas. Hence, the matches have a worldwide audience. The two sides battled it out at Copa America 2021 and have had multiple memorable World Cup encounters, namely in 1978 and 1990. On the other hand, the only US-Mexico game where the stakes were as high was their previously mentioned encounter in the 2002 World Cup. What do you think is the biggest rivalry? Do let us know in the comments. 

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