Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez gave Mateus Fernandes a harsh lesson in their latest international match.
Fernandes has been one of West Ham’s standout performers this season and thoroughly deserved a place in Martinez’s squad.
He surely would have expected to make his debut in Portugal’s friendly against Mexico on Saturday, but it was not to be.
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Malick Diouf playing for West Ham against Newcastle United. Mateus Fernandes playing for West Ham against Tottenham.
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Mateus Fernandes learns his place in Portugal’s pecking order
Portugal have two friendlies in the March international break, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup: Mexico and the USA.
They played the first match in Mexico City’s 87,000-capacity Estadio Banorte on Saturday, and neither team could break the deadlock.
As expected, Fernandes was named among the substitutes, with Ruben Neves and captain Bruno Fernandes starting in midfield.
There was also a place in the starting line-up for Mallorca’s Samu Costa, who has made three international appearances under Martinez.
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West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at London Stadium on January 24, 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
However, the biggest disappointment for Fernandes will be not even stepping onto the pitch as Portugal searched for a winning goal.
Martinez made nine substitutions in the game, including all three midfielders and all four attacking players.
Fernandes has quickly learned that he will need to prove to his national team manager that he can be trusted at the highest level.
As it stands, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Francisco Trincao, as well as the starters, are all above him in the pecking order.
Hopefully, the West Ham man can impress in training over the coming days and make his debut against the USA on Tuesday.
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