'In your face, Trump!' Eagerly anticipated match-up between US and Mexico sees Mexican fans sing 'we don't want the wall' at tailgate party as the teams draw 1-1
- In a World Cup qualifier between Mexico and the US, the two teams tied 1-1
- Before the Sunday game at the Azteca Stadium, Mexican fans said that if they won the match, 'Mexicans would celebrate like never before'
- 'President Trump has offended us, he is threatening us with his wall,' one man said about his desire to win
- The US goal was only the fourth point to be scored at the stadium by an American since 1980
Even before Sunday's World Cup qualifier between Mexico and the US, Mexican soccer fans were imagining how sweet it would taste to win.
Mario López, 38, told the LA Times that, after all, there was more at stake than just sports.
'President Trump has offended us, he is threatening us with his wall,' López said.
'If Mexico beats the United States, Mexicans will celebrate like never before.'
In a World Cup qualifier between Mexico and the US, the two teams tied 1-1. Pictured, Mexico's Marco Fabian, right, and United States' DeAndre Yedlin jump for the ball
Before the Sunday game at the Azteca Stadium, Mexican fans said that if they won the match, 'Mexicans would celebrate like never before'
'President Trump has fomented hatred against Mexicans. If Mexico is victorious Sunday, it will send a message. "We win! In your face, Trump!''' doctor Federico Gonzales added.
The US hung on for a 1-1 tie, however, making it only the fourth goal to be scored at Azteca Stadium by an American since 1980.
Mexico leads the final round of the North and Central American and Caribbean region with 14 points, followed by Costa Rica (eight), the US (seven), Panama (six), Honduras (four) and Trinidad and Tobago (three).
The top three advance to next year's World Cup in Russia, and the fourth-place team faces Asia's No. 5 nation in a playoff.
Despite the athletic and political rivalry, many Mexicans said beforehand that they were not interested in harassing American fans at the game.
In fact, days after Trump was elected last November, Mexico and the US went head-to-head for a match in Ohio.
The US goal was only the fourth point to be scored at the stadium by an American since 1980. Pictured, Mexico's Carlos Vela celebrates after scoring a goal
United States' Bobby Wood reacts after missing a chance to score against Mexico
Instead of jeering at each other, though, the two teams posed for group pictures together and fans even bought one another beers.
'We Mexicans have to show that we have respect for the Americans, that we have respect for their anthem, their flag and their players,' architect Roberto Aceves told the LA Times.
'We have to realize that we are friends, and that the US players are not to blame for having the ignorant and racist president they have.'
That being said, Mexico did make sure to maintain their voice at the Sunday game.
At a tailgate outside the stadium, featuring beer, food and musicians, the Mexican fan base proved they wouldn't stand for Trump's divisive rhetoric and threats of a wall and border tax.
A mariachi band led the crowd in a spirited song with a to-the-point message.
'We don't want the wall,' they sang in unison.
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