Andres Guardado receives dubious Copa America honor

As the rumors continue to swirl about Mexico national team star, Andres Guardado, heading to Atlanta United this summer, the veteran midfielder is receiving some heat for his performance during the Copa America Centenario.

Many expected Mexico to be a favorite to win the Copa this summer. It was all going according to plan as El Tri breezed through their group, looking dominant in the process. Then they had the great misfortune of coming up against the defending Copa America champions Chile in the quarterfinals. Guardado captained his team in that match. It just happened to end up being one of the most lopsided matches we’ve ever seen in the knockout rounds of a major international tournament. Mexico were embarrassed, 7-0, and the rumored Atlanta United target bore the brunt of the criticism.

ESPNFC even named Guardado in their Worst XI of the Copa America.

Does this affect any feelings about the Mexican possibly joining Atlanta United as a designated player soon? I don’t believe it does. One tournament doesn’t make or break a player. His track record is long enough both at the club level and the international level that we can chalk this up to a fluke.

Perhaps it could even help United out during negotiations and get them a better deal? Hey, we can dream.