Carlos Salcido convinced Javier Aguirre to take this player to the World Cup

If you remember the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, you'll know it was a highly enjoyable World Cup and also one of the last to generate a stir among Mexican fans. Mexico had the good fortune of playing the opening match against the home team, a game that ended in a draw and opened the tournament with a flourish.

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After their match against South Africa, Mexico was scheduled to face France. However, very few know the curious story behind it, which centers on Carlos Salcido, Javier Aguirre, and, above all, Pablo Barrera.

During an interview, Pablo Barrera explains that it was thanks to Salcido that Javier Aguirre decided to choose him as one of the lucky ones to represent his country in one of the most important tournaments in the world.

Barrera said that just one day before the official list of players selected for the World Cup was announced, A Guirre approached him in the company of Salcido and proceeded to ask him “Salcido, what do you think of this guy? Should I take him or should we leave him?” He comments that after the technical director's question, there was silence for about a minute.

After a brief pause, Salcido gave his answer, saying, "No, yes, take him. This guy is really good." To Salcido's response, Aguirre agreed, replying, "Yes, I have to take him. He's very good."

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Although Barrera didn't play in the opening match until the second, he says it was due to Aguirre's oversight. "Vasco called me and said, 'Hey, like the opening match and all that, I got carried away, and I didn't measure the substitutions and didn't bring you in.' But I want you to know that you're my first substitution."

Fortunately for the Mexican player, Carlos Vela was injured in the second match of the tournament, played against France, So the Basque kept his word and gave Barrera the opportunity to play in a World Cup for his country.

EM