Iconic Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa set to retire after his sixth World Cup outing

Memo Ochoa is poised to feature in his sixth World Cup for Mexico, with the veteran shot-stopper included in the national team roster.

Ochoa plans to step away from professional football right after the tournament, parting ways with both his club and the Mexico side, noted transfer expert Romano in a post on X.

The goalkeeper seemed to endorse the announcement by sharing Romano's update on his own account.

This World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, marks a significant milestone for the 40-year-old custodian, potentially placing him among an elite group of players, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have competed in six editions of the tournament.

Ochoa made his international debut at the 2006 finals in Germany and has since participated in the events in South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022, notably denying a penalty from Poland's Robert Lewandowski.

Over his 22-year club career, Ochoa has featured in leagues across France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal. At present, he is with AEL Limassol in Cyprus's top flight.

This might signal the close of my chapter post-World Cup. It is tough, certainly, yet I reckon bidding farewell will not prove too difficult, Ochoa shared with Mexican broadcaster TUDN on Monday.

Eventually, your mind and physique signal that you have poured everything in, allowing you to depart with peace of mind, he continued.

Manager Javier Aguirre is scheduled to announce his definitive squad on June 1st. Questions linger over whether Ochoa's vast experience will secure him the starting role for Mexico, or if it will fall to emerging talent Tala Rangel.

Regardless, Ochoa is anticipated to serve as one of the squad's captains.

The international event is set to unfold from June 11th until July 19th.