Tata Martino to leave Mexico job after World Cup failure: ‘My contract ended as soon as the whistle blew’

Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has confirmed that he will be leaving his role as Mexico head coach following their agonising exit from the World Cup in Qatar.

Goals from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez had El Tri on course for an important victory over Saudi Arabia in their final Group C contest in Lusail on Wednesday night, a must-win fixture to have any hope of reaching the last-16 after an opening stalemate with Poland was followed by defeat to Argentina.

On a widly dramatic night of World Cup action, Mexico and Poland looked to be locked level on points, goal for and goals against late on, with the European side’s superior Fair Play record - two fewer yellow cards accumulated during the group stage - set to see them through for a showdown with Group D winners France despite a 2-0 loss to Argentina in Doha.

However, Mexico were eventually ousted on goal difference after Salem Al-Dawsari netted a consolation goal for Saudi Arabia - also eliminated on the night - five minutes into second-half stoppage time.

It capped a painful and rare failure for the two-time hosts, who had not failed to advance from the group stage at any World Cup they have been to since 1978 in Argentina.

The only exceptions being Spain 82 when they did not qualify and Italia 90, a competition from which they were barred amid a two-year ban from international competition owing to the Cachirules scandal.

Mexico had otherwise reached - and lost in - the last-16 at the last seven consecutive World Cups, making the quarter-finals on home soil in 1970 and 1986.

Manager Martino will not continue in his role after such a disappointment, telling Fox Soccer after the win over Saudi Arabia: “My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the whistle.”

Reports that circulated earlier on Wednesday had already suggested that Argentine Martino would not accept the offer of a contract renewal from the Mexican Football Federation after a difficult last 12 months in which he had been subject to fierce criticism from fans.

The former Barcelona and Argentina boss was appointed as Mexico manager back in 2019, winning that year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup but later losing the title as well as the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Final to the United States.

He also guided an Under-23 Mexico team to bronze medal success at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.