After declining a place in Mexico's preliminary Gold Cup roster under new coach Tata Martino, LAFC star Carlos Vela may have played his last game for his country.
Vela, who started all four of El Tri's four matches at the 2018 World Cup, had his say.
"I've had my opportunities, I've played a lot of games with the national team and nothing extraordinary has happened with Carlos Vela playing," Vela told reporters Wednesday. "We have to give others a chance. There are young players that will reach the World Cup. I'll be 34 [by Qatar 2022] and I don't see it as a problem that I may not be there."
Mexico did win the Gold Cup in 2009 and 2015 with Vela on the squad. He has declined call-ups with the national team before, though. Vela elected not to join the squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup, when he was amid his most productive period with La Liga side Real Sociedad.
"Nobody is going to die because someone isn't there," Vela said. "I think [Martino] is a very intelligent person that understands the person -- not just the player -- well and he's a great coach."
While Vela won't go to the Gold Cup, a few MLSers might. Jonathan dos Santos, Uriel Antuna and Marco Fabian have all been included on Martino's preliminary squad.
