Marcelo Flores says his dream is to play in the senior Mexican National Team, but he’s keeping his options open and enjoying the moment.
The issue of Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores’ international future was thrust back into the limelight over the last week or so, as he won the Player of the Tournament at the Revelations Cup with the Mexico u20s.
Flores is eligible for Mexico, Canada, and England, but he says he’s hoping to progress into the Mexican senior side.
“My dream is to reach the senior team, if they call me I am ready but I am in that process of the under-20s and I am happy,” Flores said this week (via TUDN).
As for whether he’s committed to choosing Mexico over Canada and England, Flores stopped short of saying that.
“I do not know, right now I am living in the moment,” Flores continued. “I am open to the three options, but at this moment I am well with Mexico.”
Mexico won the Revelations Cup on Tuesday night thanks to another goal and assist from Flores.
After a draw with Colombia and a win over Brazil, they just needed another win against the USA to win the competition.
Flores got his third start, and in the early stages of the match, he made it count with his second goal of the tournament.
Picking up the ball outside the area, Flores drove at the defence, before cutting onto his right foot and powering a finish across the goalkeeper. It all happened too fast for anyone to react.
🇲🇽⚽✨ ¡Goooool de México! 🇲🇽⚽✨ ¡Goooool de México! 🇲🇽⚽✨ ¡Goooool de México!
Otro GOLAZO de Marcelo Flores con la Selección Mexicana
🔴 EN VIVO https://t.co/xuGRXMIkNd
📲📺TUDN#RevelationsCup | #Sub20 pic.twitter.com/mWQrDKKUZi— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) November 16, 2021
The USA fought back into the game, equalising in the 51st minute, but Flores helped his team retake the lead with an assist.
The Arsenal youngster picked up the ball on the left-hand side, crossing for Ali Avila to poke home from close range.
✨⚽🇲🇽 ¡Goooool de México! ✨⚽🇲🇽 ¡Goooool de México! ✨⚽🇲🇽 ¡Goooool de México!
El jugadón es de Marcelo Flores y la definición de Alí Ávila
🔴 EN VIVO https://t.co/xuGRXMIkNd
📲📺TUDN#RevelationsCup | #Sub20 pic.twitter.com/4lbkxiae2o— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) November 17, 2021
Mexico saw out the 2-1 lead to win the match and the tournament. Brazil won their game later in the day, but it was only enough to leave them on six points, one behind Mexico.
Flores had also scored a vital goal in the game against Brazil. With 64 minutes on the clock, he powered in a header to make it 2-1.
The teenager even earned praise for his performance in the 0-0 with Colombia.
“Marcelo Flores played a good game and participated in areas where we asked him to,” Perez said at the time.
“He showed commitment to his teammates and helped them, the only thing missing was the finish.”
Fortunately for his national team, Flores found his finishing boots for the latter two games, and he ended up directly contributing to three of their four goals at the event.