Mexico U-17 Project Welcomes Marcelo Flores for Evaluation, Reigniting International Future debate
Toronto – Marcelo Flores, the 22-year-old midfielder currently without a senior national team appearance since 2022, is expected to participate in training sessions with the Mexico U-17 team, sources confirmed. The move, first reported by The Athletic, is intended to allow Flores to familiarize himself with the program and its vision as he considers his international future. This development arrives amidst ongoing dialog between Flores and the Canadian federation,raising the possibility of a switch in allegiance for the Canada-born player.
Flores’ situation highlights a growing trend within the current Mexico U-17 “Project Selections” – a generation deeply connected through social media and facing complex decisions regarding national representation. Previously caught in a tug-of-war between Canada and Mexico, Flores debuted with El Tri in 2021, earning three caps, but has remained absent from the senior squad for over two years. While a change to represent Canada would require a formal sporting nationality change, the invitation to train with the U-17 side signals a potential re-evaluation of his options and Mexico’s proactive approach to retaining dual-national talent.
The invitation comes as the Mexican national team program seeks to build momentum. A post on X (formerly Twitter) from @miseleccionsubs on November 3, 2025, declared, “Everything ready to write a new story. 🙌 Let’s go with everything,Mexico! 🇲🇽 #ProyectoSelecciones 💚🤍❤️”
Flores’ career has included development within the Arsenal academy,a loan spell with Real Oviedo in 2022,and a move to Liga MX side Tigres in 2023. He previously pledged his commitment to Mexico in May 2022, stating on social media he would represent El Tri “with all my heart for the rest of my professional life.”
Canada is scheduled to play Ecuador in Toronto on November 13 and Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale on November 18. The outcome of Flores’ evaluation with the U-17 team, and continued dialogue with both federations, will determine his next steps on the international stage.
