Gerardo Arteaga’s goal from the edge of the penalty area in the 69th minute secured Mexico a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their Copa America opener on Saturday night.
Competing as a guest in South America’s championship for the 11th time, Mexico dominated the match, scoring on their 17th shot. The crucial goal came after Joel Latibeaudiere’s weak clearance found Luis Romo, who passed to Arteaga. Arteaga’s left-foot shot beat goalkeeper Jahmali Waite and nestled inside the far post, marking his second goal in 25 international appearances.
“The idea was to empower some players who were called before but didn’t have the minutes to shine,” Mexico coach Jaime Lozano said through an interpreter. “Today was Arteaga’s turn, but we have a set of other players who are adding minutes at the top level.”
Jamaica had a potential goal by Michail Antonio disallowed for offside in the 50th minute after a video review. “A fraction offside,” Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrímsson remarked, acknowledging the correctness of the decision.
Mexico captain Edson Álvarez left the field in the 30th minute due to a left hamstring injury and was replaced by Romo. Coach Lozano indicated it would take a couple of days to determine the injury’s severity. “It’s not easy to overcome your captain being removed from the field, but I felt they responded fast,” he said.
Venezuela beat Ecuador 2-1 in the other Group B match. Mexico will face Venezuela next in Inglewood, California, while Jamaica will play Ecuador in Las Vegas. The group stage concludes on June 30, with Mexico playing Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona, and Jamaica facing Venezuela in Austin, Texas.
El Tri has historically performed well in Copa America, reaching the semifinals in 1997, 1999, and 2007. Conversely, the Reggae Boyz remain winless in the tournament following their group-stage eliminations in 2015 and 2016.
“We fought until the end,” Hallgrímsson said. “I’m proud of the players. We gave them a tough match, and in the end, I was hoping, and I thought we deserved to score one, get something out of this game.”
Before a crowd of 53,763 at NRG Stadium, Mexico donned red, green, and black jerseys patterned after folk art, continuing their unbeaten streak against Jamaica since a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal.
