Mexican, Brazilian football legends face off in friendly match as World Cup looms

Football fans were served up a sporting treat as the countdown to the FIFA 2026 World Cup continues, as past legends of the game took to the field for a star-studded friendly match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday.

Mexico is one of the co-hosts for the upcoming World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, marking the first time three nations have hosted the event. The expanded 2026 tournament will feature a record number of 48 teams, making it the biggest ever edition of the international footballing showpiece, with games taking place from June 11 to July 19.

As a prelude to the event, Sunday's special exhibition match saw invitational teams comprised of past stars of Mexico and Brazil play out an entertaining encounter at the Azteca Stadium, now officially known as the Banorte Stadium.

This venue is already etched into footballing folklore, having hosted both the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, and has recently re-opened following renovation work ahead of this year's tournament.

The friendly match offered a sense of nostalgia for many in the packed stadium and finished with a final score of 3-2 as the home favorites Mexico triumphed over the more illustrious Brazil side, giving fans a spectacle both on and off the pitch.

Before kick-off, Mexican fans expressed support for their national team but were perhaps more excited at the chance to see some of the world's great football figures return for this one-off occasion, including 2002 World Cup winner Ronaldinho.

"Well, it's Brazil. We can't deny their five World Cup titles, and I think that makes them great, right? Unlike Mexico, which hasn't achieved anything yet [in comparison]," said local fan David Vanegas.

"I'm completely for Mexico. But if we can see Ronaldinho, what could be better!" said Lucy Cortes, another Mexican supporter, prior to the game getting underway.

The stadium was guarded by more than 3,000 police officers inside and out, with the fixture serving as a rehearsal of the logistics the city will need to implement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the tournament's opening match will be held at this venue in just a few weeks' time.

Many fans praised the experience in and around the ground and are confident the tournament will go well, but some others criticized the poor visibility from some areas of the stadium and hope these issues can be ironed out before the big event kicks off.

"They are already quite well organized — this wasn't the case before, but it looks good now, from the entrances onward. I expect it'll be a great World Cup; you'll see that the logistics will be good," said Josafa Tena, a Mexican who supports the Brazilian national team.

"There are still many areas where you can't see well, and they can't accommodate everyone properly, so people arrive and sit wherever they like. You had to go complain about that - so there's still a bit lacking in this sense," said Jorge Proa, another Mexican fan.

Mexican, Brazilian football legends face off in friendly match as World Cup looms

China-Italy auto partnership is under spotlight at the ongoing Milan Design Week, with electronic vehicles on display across the city's Chinatown, highlighting the future of mobility.

The Milan Design Week from April 20 to 26 features exhibits that explore everything from automotive and art industries to AI and robotics.

Amid rising fuel prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, the event focuses on the global electric transition, and China's growing role worldwide.

"Of course Chinese cars are leading the way in electrification. The percentage of electric cars in China is almost 30 percent of the total market," said Andrea Levy, president of the Milan-Monza and Turin Motor Show.

Seeking to enhance its position in the electric vehicle market, Italy is collaborating with China, combining its tradition of craftsmanship, with Chinese advances in technology and innovation.

"A lot of Chinese companies have established their research centers, design centers in Italy, in Milan and Torino -- such as Changan, such as Geely, such as even Great Wall, even Dongfeng," said Winnie Gao, secretary general of the Turin Automotive Design Award. From engineering to aesthetics, the collaboration is reshaping how the next generation of cars will look and perform.

The EU aims to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, but adoption of electric vehicles has been uneven. Italy has one of the slowest uptakes, with just 6.2 percent of market share last year.

"I think it's a kind of cultural resistance. We like the tradition and we're a little bit scared of changes. Now with electric cars, it also requires a change of attitude," said Levy.

The car show is part of the Milan Design Week, one of Italy's most prestigious cultural events. Zona Sarpi, the city's Chinatown, is a key location.

"Every year, it is more important. There are Xiaohongshu and Yadea and many important designers. Here in Zona Sarpi, Italians can learn even more about our culture," said Angela Zhou, Zona Sarpi organizer of the Milan Design Week.

Milan Design Week spotlights China-Italy auto partnership as EV transition accelerates