Guillermo Ochoa enjoys 'perfect ending' in Mexico's win over Czechia as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup record matched

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The unrelenting, superstar pair of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were at the forefront of fans' minds heading into this summer - particularly as they were set for a record-breaking sixth World Cup. But another player has joined them in the history books.

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That man was Guillermo Ochoa, the 40-year-old who was selected as third-choice goalkeeper for Mexico in their latest home World Cup.

Like Messi and Ronaldo, Ochoa was first called up to the sport's biggest stage in 2006, and has been present for the two decades since.

However, his role was as a back-up at both Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, so he is unable to match the attackers in terms of matches played.

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Ochoa, though, starred with some brilliant performances in the following three tournaments - shining under a much brighter spotlight than he ever did in his club career.

Indeed, he has won more man of the match performances at the World Cup (three) than any other Mexican in the competition's history.

He became such a part of the furniture that many viewers could not imagine a World Cup without Ochoa in it, yet would struggle to name which domestic league he was playing in.

Before a potentially tricky Group A got underway, he was not expected to play in what is set to be the last few weeks of his career. However, results in the opening two games created an opportunity for a fairytale farewell.

Mexico secured their status as group winners with victories over South Africa and South Korea, meaning Wednesday's clash with Czechia presented a chance for rotation.

El Tri of course wanted to maintain a perfect record in front of their fans, and did just that, as Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo sealed a 3-0 win.

But arguably the biggest moment of the night came in the 77th minute, as an emotional Ochoa was given his moment in place of No. 1 Raul Rangel.

He was not forced into any saves against a disappointing Czechia outfit, as the European side crashed out in bottom place, but Ochoa did not need that in order to cement his legacy.

Reflecting on his goodbye at Estadio Azteca, Ochoa said: "My emotions have been running high for about a month and a half.

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"I've experienced these last training camps, these final moments on the pitch with the national team, in training and on trips, with a great sense of nostalgia.

"To be able to enjoy a few minutes on the pitch, in the stadium where I grew up, with the Mexico national team, at a World Cup, there are no words for it.

"It's the perfect ending to a very long chapter of almost 22 or 23 years with the national team.

"It's unlikely I'll keep playing much longer, but I'm grateful to the fans and to the staff. I leave knowing I gave everything, every single time.

"I'm happy and grateful. I feel exhausted, as if I'd played 90 minutes, because of all the emotions."

Midfielder Gil Mora added on the former America and Ajaccio man: "I'm very happy to have played with him. He's an idol to me.

"Having him as a team-mate is a dream, and I'm very happy to see the way the whole stadium always welcomes him."

Mexico have progressed to the new round of 32, where they will play a third-placed side. If results go as expected, they could then face a home tie against Thomas Tuchel's England in the last 16.

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