Mexico soccer star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez says he hopes Friday's game against the United States will cheer up Hispanics who might be upset with the result of the U.S. presidential election.
President-elect Donald Trump drew controversy on the campaign trail by saying he would deport millions of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally, as well as building a wall on the southern border.
The rhetoric adds to what is already a strong soccer rivalry between the two nations, who meet at Columbus Crew's MAPFRE Stadium for Team USA's fifth straight home World Cup qualifier. The game has become known as "Dos a cero" following four straight U.S. wins by 2-0 scores.
Hernandez, a striker for German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, suggested that the Mexico-U.S. soccer rivalry could help provide a relief to all the political tension.
"There are moments that are not so nice for some people. And [Wednesday's elections results] wasn't the best for Latinos and all of us, but life goes on," Hernandez told Univision.
"Sadly, that was the decision that the country took. If our game can give [Hispanics] some joy and take away the sadness they are going through, well good then.
"We know that all the few fans who are coming from Mexico and all the Mexicans here from the states who are supporting us want to see Mexico win."
U.S. team captain Michael Bradley also said he expects all fans to show respect for one another during the match.
"I would hope our fans do what they always do, which is support our team in the best, most passionate way possible," the Toronto FC midfielder said. "I would hope they give every person in that stadium the respect they deserve, whether they are American, Mexican, neutral."
Hernandez has scored 45 goals internationally and is one goal short of Jared Borgetti's record as Mexico's all-time leading scorer.
Asked whether the match takes on more importance given the result of the U.S. presidential election, Hernandez said yes.
"Of course it does. A lot of people put all their happiness in a football game, but life goes on," the 28-year-old said. "Obviously I am going to try to do the best for my country and for the country in which I might be living.
"I want the best for my Mexico and I want all Mexicans who live in the United States to try to be the best Mexicans they should be.
"I want Mexico to win always, but I know that this is just a game and the opponents also have value. All of our players are going to give everything and hope that we can prevail."
The match is the opener of the 10-game final round of CONCACAF qualifying.
The top three nations qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and the No. 4 team advances to a playoff against the fifth-place Asian team for another berth.
Mexico has gone 12-1-2 since former Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio took over in October 2015. The loss was a 7-0 quarterfinal defeat to Chile in Copa America in June.
Regardless of recent results, Bradley said the players on both sides still have plenty of respect for each other.
"I hope every person that comes to the stadium comes ready to enjoy what we all want to be a beautiful game between two sporting rivals that have a lot of respect for each other, and hope that it's a special night in every way," he said.