Gilberto Mora nearly misses out on breaking Pele historic World Cup record

In 1958, Pelé was 17 years and 239 days old when he started the World Cup knockout match.

Now, Gilberto Mora has become the second youngest player to have the honour against Ecuador.

The Mexican midfielder is just 20 days older than Pelé, compared to his record age.

Mora made his debut in this World Cup against South Africa.

Then, his performance was hailed in a face-off with Czechia, where El Tri beat the European country 3-0.

Mora, meanwhile, has a budding career. His debut came at just 15 for Los Xolos in Liga MX.

In the league, the Tuxtla native was a sensation. He became the youngest goal scorer of all time.

Mora is best known for his quick gameplay, which caught the eye of Mexico’s manager, Javier Aguirre, and impressed key European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, and AC Milan.

Yet hopes are high that Mexico will break its 40-year jinx.

Called “quinto partido" (fifth game), El Tri has failed to go past the round of 16 since 1986.

Notably, whenever Mexico reached the quarter-finals – 1970 and 1986 - they hosted the World Cup.

However, under the new World Cup format, if Mexico wins, the team will advance to the fourth-round stage.