USMNT vs. Mexico: Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest explain what awaits young players in heated rivalry

PHOENIX — The first two U.S. matches of this international window were proceeding in the manner and temperament expected from friendlies at the start of a four-year cycle chugging toward the 2030 World Cup.

There were imperfections and breakthroughs, youthful lessons, mass substitutions and an underlying acceptance that the results did not mean that much.

Then in the waning moments of the 4-2 U.S. victory over Chile on Tuesday in St. Louis, tempers flared, blood boiled and benches emptied. It had degenerated into a friendly in name only.

And maybe that was a good thing for the young Americans — those on the field and those following the lead of their elders racing onto the pitch to defend their teammates — because the tone and temperature of the next match, against archrival Mexico on Saturday night, is sure to surpass the heat outside State Farm Stadium in nearby Glendale, Arizona.

“We’ve just been saying to the young boys that you’re going to expect that [the end of the Chile game] and a lot more when we play against Mexico,” said Antonee Robinson, a two-time World Cup wing back who has experienced his share of Mexican showdowns. “We know how much this game means to both teams, and the boys getting to experience that in their first camp is going to be interesting to see. Hope they all embrace it, enjoy it and are ready to put the fight in.”

A pro-Mexican crowd is expected for what is almost always a fierce and testy clash between traditional powers in the CONCACAF region. Although it won’t carry the consequences of official competition, such as World Cup qualifiers, the Gold Cup and Nations League, pride remains high in a rivalry that has inched its way up the list of great soccer strifes.

“It feels really personal,” Robinson said. “No one’s walking into this thinking it’s a friendly.”

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Sergiño Dest is helping prepare the USMNT’s young players for the intensity of Saturday’s rivalry match against Mexico.

Robinson and teammate Sergiño Dest spoke to reporters Thursday in a ribbon of shade at a training venue otherwise exposed to the punishing late-morning sun. It was an appropriate setting for the figurative sizzle the Americans expect from the first rumble against El Tri since the Gold Cup final in July 2025 in Houston. Mexico has won the last two meetings, after the U.S. ran off a seven-game unbeaten streak in a rivalry that began 92 years ago.

“These games, it’s the real culture and the real passion of football,” said Dest, another veteran of Mexican quarrels. “The rivalries between teams in general are always amazing to see, and this is one of them as well. …Sometimes there will be fights, sometimes there won’t. But we play on home soil, so we have got to show our passion as well to them … They can be aggressive like that against us, [but] we have a great brotherhood.”

Many of the young U.S. players participating in their first senior camp have faced Mexico in age-specific competitions, but this will be their first taste at the highest level.

“For players in one of the first big games, they can be nervous,” Dest said. “It’s normal, but the only thing I can help them with is just to stay calm and believe in all the abilities they have trained for all these years and show what you have got because that’s what we need.”

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Antonee Robinson, a two-time World Cup wing back, on what newcomers should expect from Mexico: “No one’s walking into this thinking it’s a friendly.”

The first two matches of camp, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino tossed his newbies into the deep end of the pool. Eleven debuted in the 4-1 victory over Peru last Saturday in Orlando and another was christened in the Chile match. Only winger Cole Campbell, who has remained sidelined because of an unspecified injury, has yet to make his initial appearance.

Seven newcomers played in both matches. Forward Julian Hall, 18, scored in both, added an assist and dummied a Dest pass that led to Sebastian Berhalter’s goal against Chile. Winger Mathis Albert, 17, became the youngest scorer in U.S. history with the last goal Tuesday.

Forward Cavan Sullivan, who just turned 17, rushed the flanks with speed, skill and zeal. Midfielder Brooklyn Raines, 21, was one of only two U.S. players to go 90 minutes against Chile.

The four goalkeepers, led by World Cup starter Matt Freese, have played one half apiece.

Despite the heavy influx of inexperienced players, the U.S. has played with greater chemistry and rhythm than expected after less than a week of workouts at the national training center near Atlanta.

“I didn’t really know what it was going to be like going into it with 12, 13 new players who’ve come into camp, and all so young,” Robinson said. “But coming and seeing the kids wanting to work so hard and be humble and get to know everyone, it’s been really good. And obviously to see the talent they’ve [shown] and the hard work they’ve put in, it’s been a very enjoyable camp so far.”

This camp — Pochettino’s first since the World Cup and first since he signed a new contract to guide the program through the 2030 competition — will continue until next Tuesday, when his squad faces another strong CONCACAF opponent, Canada, in St. Paul.

The victories against Peru and Chile were impressive and Canada is going to be a test, but Mexico meetings are what stand the test of time. With that in mind, Pochettino seems inclined to select a veteran-heavy lineup sprinkled with young players, such as 19-year-old forward Justin Ellis, who scored early in his debut against Peru, and Sullivan, who started the first match and entered late in the second.

But the Argentine-born coach has also shown trust in his youngsters and could end up throwing several into the fire here in the desert. At the very least, many will probably end up playing a good portion of the match.

“Younger players sometimes have to learn a little bit more,” Dest said. “Sometimes at the beginning of your career, you also have that amazing hunger and you’re not scared to try things out. It’s a great balance, and they’re doing great so far.”