Marlon Meza Jr delivered a superb performance scoring a goal and setting up the other two for Belize against Grenada in 3-0 win at the Concacaf U20 Championship on Thursday, February 25, 2026. – Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize’s 3–0 victory over Grenada at the Concacaf U20 Championship offered a welcome response after the difficult 7–2 loss to Suriname on opening day. Among the positive signs was the steady, composed performance of 17‑year‑old midfielder Marlon Meza Jr, who contributed one goal and two assists in a match where Belize needed someone to help settle the team and guide the attack.
His performance stood out not because it was flashy, but because it showed calm decision‑making, good awareness, and the ability to link Belize’s attack at key moments.
Involved in all three goals
Meza Jr was central to all three goals against Grenada.
- Assist (37’): A perfectly weighted run‑through pass that split the Grenada back line for Oscar Carranza to finish.
- Goal (82’): Receiving the ball on the run from Esmond Sanker, he controlled it, pulled it back to lose his marker, shifted from left to right, advanced, and drilled a low diagonal shot into the far corner.
- Assist (84’): A reverse pass so precise and unexpected that it stunned the defense and set up Tyrone Linares for the final goal
The contributions were important, but they came within a collective effort that saw Belize defend better, transition more effectively, and finish their chances.
Concacaf announcer highlights two key plays
The Concacaf play‑by‑play announcer singled out Meza Jr’s involvement in the second and third goals, offering rare praise for a Belizean youth player on a regional broadcast.
On the reverse pass to Linares:
“Unbelievable play by Marlon Meza. The finish for Linares. But the reverse pass is something for the ages. Lionel Messi‑like. Drifting inside, look at the reverse pass. Into the stride of Linares. That, my friends, are things that only Messi dreams of, Maradona dreams of, all the cultured left footers.”
On the goal that made it 2–0:
“Cut back. Cut back yet again. And then a tidy finish with the right foot to give them a two‑goal cushion. Stopped on a dime, dragged it back to his right. Tucked it home.”
Concacaf later captioned the highlight as “Meza Magic”, echoing a phrase previously used by Mount Pleasant Academy in Jamaica.
Marlon Meza Jr in March 2025 with U17 BMNT – Photo Credit: FFB
A young player progressing through Belize’s system
Meza Jr’s performance fits into a longer developmental path rather than a sudden breakout.
- He has represented Belize at U15, U17, U20, and already the Senior Men’s National Team.
- He debuted for the BMNT “A” team on February 14, 2025, against Costa Rica—while still a regular starter for the U17s.
- Shortly after that debut, he earned a scholarship to Mount Pleasant Academy in Jamaica, where he has been training in a structured, competitive environment known for producing players who advance to professional clubs abroad.
His growth has been steady, and the Grenada match reflected that ongoing development.
A family connection to Belizean football
Meza Jr is the son of Marlon Meza Sr, one of Belize’s standout forwards of his era. The younger Meza plays a different role—more creator than striker—but the footballing instincts clearly run in the family.
A positive step, with more challenges ahead
Belize’s group remains demanding, and the team will need consistency and collective discipline to navigate the remaining matches. Meza Jr’s contribution against Grenada was a positive sign, but Belize’s progress will depend on the entire squad continuing to grow and adapt as the tournament continues.
His showing in Managua demonstrated the qualities that have marked his rise through Belize’s youth teams—good vision, composure, and a willingness to take responsibility in key moments—while reminding that he is still a young player developing step by step.
The post Marlon Meza Jr shines in Belize’s 3-0 win over Grenada in Concacaf U20 Championship appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Marlon Meza Jr delivered a superb performance scoring a goal and setting up the other two for Belize against Grenada in 3-0 win at the Concacaf U20 Championship on Thursday, February 25, 2026. – Photo Credit: FFB By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize’s 3–0 victory over Grenada at the Concacaf U20 Championship offered a welcome response
The post Marlon Meza Jr shines in Belize’s 3-0 win over Grenada in Concacaf U20 Championship appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.