Copa America 2024: Mexico loses captain Alvarez to injury in narrow win over Jamaica – News

Alvarez collapsed clutching his hamstring in the 30th minute and limped off the field in tears

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Edson Alvarez from Mexico. —AFP

Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their Group B Copa America opener in Houston on Saturday, but their joy at making a winning start was dampened by what looked like a potentially tournament-ending injury to captain Edson Alvarez.

Alvarez, who plays for West Ham United in England and is one of the Mexican team’s most experienced players, collapsed clutching his hamstring in the 30th minute and limped off the pitch in tears.

“We’re going to wait a few days to test him a bit and really know what’s going on with him,” coach Jaime Lozano said after the game.

‘He is extremely important. He is a leader, he understands the game well. He is important on the field and also in the locker room.

“You listen to him, he has a good way with words and when he speaks, you listen. This was a heavy blow to all of us.”

Defender Cesar Montes told reporters: “It was extremely important to start on the right foot, always focused, together, and (now) the only bad news is that our teammate has suffered an injury which we hope is not serious and at us can return.

“(But) these situations are not easy, the doctor will have to evaluate whether he can continue with us (for the rest of the tournament). For the group he is the leader, a very important piece and it will be good to have his diagnosis to know in view of what is to come.”

Jamaica, who are 38 places below Mexico, thought they had scored their first-ever Copa America goal when Michail Antonio headed into the net five minutes into the second half, but the goal was ruled out by the video assistant for offside.

Mexico stepped up a gear after that scare, with Luis Chavez, Santiago Gimenez and Gerardo Arteaga all scoring fine saves from Jamaica keeper Jahmali Waite, before Arteaga finally broke the deadlock with a thunderous goal in the 69th minute.

Mexico, which is participating in the Copa America for the eleventh time, reached the final in 1993 and 2001.

The result moved Mexico level on three points with Venezuela, who defeated Ecuador 2-1 in the other Group B match earlier in the day.

Jamaica will play Ecuador in Las Vegas on Wednesday, while Mexico will take on Venezuela in Inglewood, California.