In San José, Costa Rica’s new international cycle has begun with an immediate question over its most recognisable goalkeeper. Keylor Navas has been left out of Fernando Batista’s first squad for the September and October Nations League window, prompting a public exchange conducted through remarks and a pointed social-media poll.
Key takeaways
- Fernando Batista did not include Keylor Navas in his first Costa Rica selection.
- The squad is preparing for Nations League fixtures during the September and October FIFA dates.
- Batista named Abraham Madriz, Bayron Mora and Patrick Sequeira as his goalkeeping options.
- The coach said an unanswered message to Navas contributed to his decision to assess other keepers.
- Navas later posted an Instagram poll contrasting a direct call with sending a message.
A new coach looks beyond Navas
Batista said he had previously spoken with Navas by telephone and later tried to meet him while visiting Mexico, where the veteran goalkeeper now plays for Pumas. The Argentine coach explained that he subsequently sent Navas a message but did not receive a reply.
“We spoke once on the phone,” Batista said. “Then I was in Mexico and wanted to get close to him so we could talk. He has not spoken to me and was unable to answer the message I sent.”
With Costa Rica entering the Nations League under new management, Batista chose Madriz, Mora and Sequeira for the goalkeeper places. He stressed that Navas has not been permanently excluded, saying the national team remains open to him, but added that he must make present-day choices and consider alternative candidates.
The omission is notable given Navas’ standing in Costa Rican football, though Batista’s first list signals that the former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper will not automatically occupy a place during the new regime.
An Instagram response from Mexico City
Within hours of Batista addressing the issue, Navas posted an Instagram story that appeared to answer the coach’s account without naming him. His poll began: “If you have something important to say…”
Followers were offered two choices: “Call directly” or “Send a message.” The timing led to the post being read as an indirect response to Batista’s explanation about his attempts to contact the 38-year-old.
For now, Navas will remain focused on Pumas, while Costa Rica work through their first Nations League matches with Batista in charge. The coach has left the door open for a future recall, meaning the goalkeeper’s absence from this initial squad does not close the chapter on his international career.
