Mexico boss Gerardo Martino will 'leave his role after the World Cup', with El Tri facing their first group stage elimination in 44 years as the former Barcelona coach 'targets a return to Argentina to spend time with his family'
- Gerardo 'Tata' Martino will reportedly vacate his role as manager of Mexico
- He is thought to be keen to return to his native Argentina to be near his family
- The Mexican federation had been keen to extend his deal in charge until 2026
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Mexico coach Gerardo Martino is set to vacate his post at the end of the World Cup in Qatar, with the Argentinian manager set to return to his native country and spend time with his family.
'Tata' Martino, 60, is set to step down from the Mexico national team after the tournament in Qatar, according to Mexican outlet Record, with El Tri on the verge of a first group stage exit since 1978.
Record had also reported that the decision was likely to come back in July, and the Argentinian former Barcelona boss is thought to be keen on spending more time with his infant granddaughter.
Mexico boss Gerardo Martino is set to leave his post as manager of Mexico after the World Cup
The Mexican federation were reportedly keen on extending Martino's deal after the competition, with a view to taking charge at the next finals.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the north American continent, with games played in each of Canada, USA and Mexico.
It is thought that the stagnant performances of the Mexican side in Qatar have cooled the federation's interest in pursuing another deal with Martino.
Mexico had been keen to keep Martino on until 2026 but his El Tri are still yet to score in Qatar
Bottom of Group C, El Tri have struggled to make their mark in Qatar with no goals and a single point to their name.
A dreary and drab goalless tie with Poland in their opening game was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, courtesy of an inspired performance from Lionel Messi, who scored and assisted on the night to put the Albiceleste second in Group C.
On the cusp of elimination, Mexico will need a win for Argentina over Poland as well as a hefty margin of victory against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to progress to the second round of the competition.
Mexico have made it through to the second round of every World Cup they have entered since 1986
The last time Mexico fell at the first hurdle came in 1978, when they finished 4th behind Poland, West Germany and Tunisia, progressing to the second round in every tournament they have reached since.
El Tri's loss to Messi and Co saw an unexpected exchange between Mexican boxing star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and both Messi and Sergio Aguero, with the fighter contending that Messi had cleaned the floor with a Mexican shirt after the game.
Aguero - a long-time friend and room-mate of Messi's on the road - waded in to defend his old team-mate, before being called 'hypocrite' and a 'b******' by Alvarez on Twitter.
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