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**Mexico’s Montes Takes on Captaincy, Sets Sights on Gold Cup Glory**

*Phoenix, AZ* – Veteran defender César “Cachorro” Montes has embraced the captain’s armband for Mexico’s national team at the Gold Cup, vowing to lead *El Tri* with responsibility and build upon the team’s recent successes. Speaking ahead of their opening match against the Dominican Republic, Montes acknowledged the weight of expectation on the team, who are considered favorites to win the tournament.

“We have to be worthy representatives of what we did in the last Gold Cup and in the Nations League,” Montes stated, emphasizing the importance of the tournament as preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

Montes, who takes on the captain’s role during this new phase for the Mexican team, spoke of the honour of wearing the armband and the legacy it represents. He highlighted the influence of veteran defender Héctor Moreno, stating, “I learned a lot from him, and I’m still learning. I would like to wear this badge for a long time in my career, represent my country with that responsibility, and train the next leaders as Héctor did with me.”

Turning his attention to the opening match, Montes stressed the need to respect the Dominican Republic, despite Mexico’s favored status. “The way to respect the opponent is to be concentrated and focused,” he said. “It will be a difficult and complicated match. We expect them to have a difficult medium or low block, it will be difficult to open it, but we have our tools to start on the right foot.”

Mexico will be looking to start their Gold Cup campaign strongly under Montes’ leadership as they aim for another title.

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