"I'm here to earn a place" - Santos Laguna's Carlos Acevedo aims to prove why he should be considered for Mexico's goalkeeper position

The 29-year-old goalkeeper has made just six appearances for El Tri, with his most recent coming in a 2023 friendly against the United States. Acevedo stressed he's happy with another chance to prove why he should be on Aguirre's roster at the World Cup next year. 

“I’m happy and proud to be here, grateful for the opportunity to wear Mexico’s jersey, and eager to work hard to earn a place,”  he said in an interview with Mexico's official site. 

Aguirre continues to evaluate Mexico's goalkeeping options heading into next summer. Luis Ángel Malagón (Club América) and Raúl Rangel (Chivas) have been the most consistent options, but the third and final spot remains up for grabs. Acevedo, who has been in strong form this season, joins El Tri legend Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca) in the competition for that spot. 

Despite Santos Laguna's struggles, as they currently sit 16th in the Apertura, Acevedo has 47 saves in 12 matches. The 29-year-old knows he'll need to capitalize and show his ability at El Tri's October camp. 

“There’s great talent in Mexico - you can see it every week," he said. "The competition is strong, it’s intense, and you have to be ready for these opportunities.”

Acevedo also highlighted the strong camaraderie he shares with Malagón and Rangel, noting that the group constantly pushes one another to improve in every training session.

“I’ve known Luis Ángel since we were kids at Santos, and I was with Tala Rangel during Copa América. Working with Joseba, the new goalkeeping coach, has also been a fresh and valuable experience for me," he said. 

Acevedo and his El Tri teammates have less than three days before the first of the team's two October friendlies, a matchup against Colombia at the Dallas Cowboys' famed AT&T Stadium. Mexico have a slight edge in their all-time record against the South American opponents, with a 10-8-8 advantage.