At Copa América, the heartbeat of Mexico is on display at NRG in 1-0 win over Jamaica

Mexico fans were out in force at NRG of El Tri's 1-0 win over Jamaica in Copa América on Saturday. Omar Vega/Getty Images

The World Cup comes to the U.S. — and Houston — in 2026, and this year’s Copa América could be a good indicator of the atmosphere to expect in two years.

In Houston, there is one country whose culture prevails, and on Saturday, Mexico was on stage at NRG Stadium as El Tri beat Jamaica 1-0 in a Copa América opener on a goal by Gerardo Arteaga in the 69th minute.

There were charro hats, El Tri jerseys, and Mexican flags, draped around thousands as they streamed in to support their team. In their midst was “Caramelo Jr.,” son of Héctor Chávez, aka “Caramelo,” a devoted fan who has made attending every Mexican national game since June 3, 1986, his lifelong mission. His son has proudly embraced and accompanied him in this tradition.

At NRG to support Mexico against Jamaica in the Copa América, Caramelo Jr. is following in footsteps of his father Héctor Chávez, who has been to four World Cups. Perla Paredes Hernandez

“In Houston, as throughout the United States, Mexico is local. … There are thousands of Mexicans who come to support the national team,” said Chávez, who has attended four World Cups.

His black charro hat, which had embroidered in it every country he has been in, read “SEE YOU IN 2026.”

The constant movement of the ball, the complicated plays that must be executed as a team, and the connection that soccer has to home is what fills the Mexican fan base.

“In any corner of the world, there is (soccer) — not only Mexico, but at the world level. Because you can play soccer with pieces of rags (showing the goal) and a can (as your ball),” said Cain Camacho, a fan who follows the team around the world. “You don’t need to have money to play.”

Cain Camacho is a fan of Mexico who follows El Tri around the world. Perla Paredes Hernandez

Camacho’s attire of the day was a T-shirt fashioned out of artificial grass — with a collar incorporating a soccer ball — showing off the terrain of a  sport that he, as well as the rest of country, has known since infancy.

“It is a way out for the problems that people have in Mexico have. It is a distraction,” said devoted fan Enrique Clara.

It's also a cause for Mexican patriotism. 

“Mexicans, I think they put passion into everything. And they are very close when they like something, so I think (that is why we have passion for soccer), more than anything. It’s love,” said Montserrat, who travels with her son and husband and plans to visit as many stadiums as they can. 

She brings her 2-year-old son along to instill her husband’s and her love for the sport because it is important to her that he has known Mexican culture from a young age. 

“It is a pride to come and wear the colors of the country and also so that the people here can know a little about the true Mexican culture,” said Jose Ponce, a Mexican citizen who traveled to Houston. “The team will always be supported anywhere in the world.”

A first generation Mexican American, Elizabeth Flores, knows how the simple act of going to a soccer game is an opportunity to know her roots.

“Soccer is a big part of what’s installed in our culture,” Flores said. “So I think that’s why you always see tons of people that are first generation. (You see) that they love to be involved.”

To natives of Mexico, a soccer game is the place where you can close your eyes and feel that you’re home.

“They can be playing on the planet Mars; we would be there. It’s a passion and a loyalty for your country and for your patriotism,” Caramelo Jr said.

By Perla Paredes Hernandez,Staff writer

June 23, 2024