West Ham midfielder and Mexico international Edson Alvarez captained his nation to a 2-1 win over Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League final on Monday.

Having previously been runners up in the competition twice, Javier Aguirre’s side were hoping to go one step further this time round. Mexico secured their place in the competitions final following a 2-0 win against Canada.

Opponent’s Panama’s win over Pochettino’s USA side, which saw them reach the finals, meant Alvarez and his teammates knew it would not be a walk in the park if they were to be victorious in the final.

The game against Panama was Alvarez’ 85th cap for his nation. Captaining the side, Mexico went in front eight minutes in thanks to a goal from Fulham striker Raul Jimenez.

Adalberto Carrasquilla equalised for Panama from 12 yards just before half time. With extra time on the horizon, Mexico won a penalty of their own a couple of minutes into added time in the second half after a handball in the area from a Panama defender.

Jimenez scored his second of the game firing home from the penalty spot to win the game for Alvarez and his international colleagues. After the game, wearing the captain’s armband, the Hammers midfielder received his winner’s medal and lifted the trophy and celebrated alongside his teammates.

Speaking after their Nations League triumph the 27 year old said: “This is a very nice tournament to win. We had been denied it before, and well, the moment was magical for me personally, but collectively we all know that this is just the beginning.”

Alvarez’s trophy win with Mexico will undoubtedly give him a confidence boost as he returns to West Ham for the final stretch of the season. In a difficult season for the Club where few players have stood out, the midfielder has understandably struggled for form at times this season.

Lifting a trophy on the international stage can help him continue and build on his more positive performances under Graham Potter and play his part in helping the Hammers have a strong end to the season.