On the eve of the 2026 World Cup, Javier Aguirre's call-up for the Mexico National Team, known as the Tri, has ignited a national debate. "El Vasco" has opted for a base of experience and consolidated Liga MX players, leaving out emerging talents whose market value and performance are superior.

Data from Transfermarkt and statistics from the Clausura 2026 reveal an uncomfortable reality. There is a group of young footballers with European projection and specialists who, despite being highly valued assets in Mexican football, will watch the tournament from the stands, surpassing in value several of those selected by Javier Aguirre.

Among these overlooked talents, Denzell García stands out, a 22-year-old right-back from Juárez FC, valued at 4.5 million euros. His ability to recover balls in the opponent's half and generate assists positions him as one of the league's most productive defenders, breaking the traditional mold of his position.

Another notable case is Kevin Castañeda, the mastermind of Tijuana, also with a value of 4.5 million euros. A leader in filtered passes and with seven goals in the Clausura 2026, his footballing maturity and offensive impact were not enough to secure a spot on Javier Aguirre's final list, falling behind midfielders with lower production.

Javier Aguirre's decision to prioritize experience over market value and statistical production raises questions about the Tri's long-term strategy. These scarce, young profiles with a promising future represent an investment that the Mexico National Team seems unwilling to capitalize on in the short term.

The "Value of Being Forgotten" thus becomes a central theme leading up to the 2026 World Cup, where the absence of players like Denzell García and Kevin Castañeda could be a missed opportunity to inject dynamism and young talent into the national squad.