national soccer team, as did most non-Mexican soccer fans in North America. They were so dominant within the region back then that it was natural to do so.

But over time, the US, Costa Rica (where I lived as a kid), and others improved and largely closed the gap with Mexico, and then I started traveling there for work and got to know Mexicans well, eventually moving there. I never really became a fan, but I stopped hating them. I usually pull for them now against most European teams, although not against most other teams from the Americas (Argentina being a notable exception).

What you are referring to is my defense of the Mexican people from the ugly xenophobia and ignorance of them that is so common in the US, much of it politically motivated. Like most Americans, I had a very negative image of Mexico and Mexicans, and bought into most of the stereotypes, until I started traveling there regularly and living there. Then I discovered that Mexicans are actually a wonderful people, living in a beautiful country, and that most of the negative stereotypes held in the US are pure BS. So I am vocal in defending Mexicans and Mexico and in trying to counter the typical US misperception & misrepresentation of them, especially when it is politically motivated.

But this does not make me a fan of the Mexican soccer team, although I admit that my kids are Tri fans, since they have such fond memories of their years there.