Obed Vargas on Mexico call-up: ‘I feel like I completed my career’

RENTON — Obed Vargas was one of the youngest players to ever make his MLS debut, was on the field for the Seattle Sounders’ Concacaf Champions League title and helped the United States qualify for the Olympics. But in his mind, that all paled in comparison to finding out he had been called into Mexico’s senior national team.

As great as those other accomplishments were, Vargas likely never specifically dreamed of them while growing up in a family whose sporting culture revolved around El Trí.

“I say this, but I really mean it, I feel like I completed my career,” Vargas told reporters on Tuesday after finding out he was called into Mexico’s team for its upcoming match on Oct. 15. “Just getting the call-up and knowing I’ll be there, feels like I made it. I know I have a long way to go, though, and I need to stay humble and strive for more.

“But it was probably the biggest moment of my career so far.”

It’s not just any match he’s been called up for, either. Mexico is facing the United States in a rare friendly on home soil, hosting their eternal rivals at Chivas’ Estadio Akron.

Vargas, 19, will be the youngest player on Javier Aguirre’s squad, joining legitimate Mexican legends like Guillermo Ochoa and Andres Guardado, as well as established stars like Raul Jimenez, German Berterame and Edson Alvarez. This is about as close as Mexico can get to their A team.

“It’s the biggest rival Mexico has, in our country,” Vargas said. “I don’t know if I’ll play, but just being in the stands and living that game and seeing how they manage those games is going to be a great experience for me.”

It was only about five months ago that Vargas formally announced his switch from the United States to Mexico and it was only about a month ago that he was called into his first Mexican youth national team camp, playing two games with the U23s. He was as surprised as anyone at how quickly this has come together.

Now, he’s just trying to live in the moment while understanding that much bigger accomplishments are left to be made.

“Hopefully it’s the start of a long career with the national team, playing in World Cups, Gold Cups, Nations League, hopefully I’m there and can be part of the team,” he said. “I can’t waste this opportunity. I think people expect a lot from a young guy, especially if he’s getting called up at such a young age and having that responsibility.”

Before all that, Vargas knows he has two massive matches with the Sounders that could effectively determine whether or not they are playing for home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs when they face the Portland Timbers on Decision Day.

First up is the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are three points behind the Sounders in the Western Conference standings.

“We’re trying to get as high as we can and these two games are crucial,” Vargas said. “It’s going to be difficult, we’ll have to grind it out. But we’re ready.”

Other notes

• Léo Chú was a full participant in training this week and was declared ready to play against the Whitecaps.
• João Paulo and Raúl Ruidíaz are both officially listed as “questionable” on the injury report but are unlikely to feature. Of the two, João Paulo is likely closer to returning after participating in most of Tuesday’s training session and might even feature against the Rapids on the weekend.
• New Whitecaps Designated Player Stuart Armstrong is listed as “out” on the injury report, with fellow DP Ryan Gauld given “questionable” status.