In Porto, Santiago Giménez used the final hours before Mexico duty to join a lighter club production, appearing in FC Porto’s social-media “aura battle” alongside the Portuguese forward André Silva. The pair recreated viral poses and gestures, a brief off-pitch moment for two strikers competing for a place at the point of Francesco Farioli’s attack.
Competition in Porto’s forward line
Giménez’s involvement came after he remained among the substitutes for Porto’s 3-1 victory over Benfica in the Clássico. The Mexican forward is still working to establish himself in Farioli’s preferred starting side after an early spell with the Dragons.
- Giménez has made three appearances for Porto so far.
- He has scored once in those outings.
- André Silva is one of his direct rivals for the central attacking role.
- Farioli would have preferred Giménez to stay in Portugal, believing more time with the squad would help his adaptation and integration.
Mexico call takes Giménez to Baltimore
Despite his coach’s preference, Giménez joined Mexico’s training camp at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento on Tuesday. El Tri are due to leave for Baltimore on Thursday ahead of their friendly against Colombia on Saturday, 26 September.
The match will carry added significance for Mexico, as it is set to be Rafael Márquez’s official first game in charge of the national team.
An opening at centre-forward
Raúl Jiménez’s injury has left Mexico without an established first-choice striker for this international window. Giménez will contest the central-forward position with Armando “Hormiga” González as Márquez prepares his first selection and his first match on the Mexican bench.
