Mexico international Marcelo Flores is finalizing arrangements to join a training camp with Canada‘s national team as an unofficial call-up for this month’s friendlies, according to a source who confirmed the details to ESPN.
The source indicated that it is “more than likely” that Flores, who was born in Canada, will participate as a training player. This opportunity will allow him to “experience the environment and understand the project.” Canada has made significant efforts to make him feel appreciated and valued, the source added.
At 22, Flores previously navigated the choice between representing Mexico and Canada before making his senior debut for El Tri in 2021. He has since made three appearances for Mexico but has not featured for the senior team since 2022.
In the event he chooses to officially represent Canada in the future, a one-time switch would be necessary. According to the source, there has been “a lot of communication” between Flores and the Canadian soccer federation.
On November 13, the Conacaf side will host Ecuador in Toronto, followed by a match against Venezuela on November 18 in Fort Lauderdale.
Flores, who is an alumnus of the Arsenal academy, was on loan to Real Oviedo in 2022 and later joined Liga MX‘s Tigres in 2023.
This is not the first instance in which Flores has considered his international career options. In May 2022, after weighing the decision between Canada and Mexico, he stated on social media that he would represent El Tri “wholeheartedly for the rest of my professional life.”
The Athletic was the first outlet to report this development.