Introduction
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current president of Mexico City, enjoys an impeccable image both among friends and business leaders, experts, and foreign observers. She is lauded as a global leadership example, especially noteworthy for being a woman leading one of the most vulnerable countries—if not the most vulnerable—in relation to the United States.
Perception of Sheinbaum’s Leadership
Some American residents in Mexico portray Sheinbaum as “the only leader who dared to confront Trump.” Although this statement requires nuance, social media and parts of the press have elevated her to the title of “Trump’s whisperer.” This repeated narrative eventually seems like truth.
Sheinbaum’s challenging relationship with the United States has bolstered her leadership aura, with Donald Trump acting as a magnifying glass for her attributes. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that she has achieved some results in certain areas, as demonstrated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit—a well-orchestrated, cordial act that sent signals of stability.
Economic Growth: The Key to Mexico’s Success
Despite the positive leadership image, Mexico’s structural reality remains that it must manage a deeply asymmetric relationship with its northern neighbor. The most evident variable that could expand the government’s margin of maneuver is economic growth.
Currently, Mexico’s growth is minimal: 0.7% according to the latest INEGI data. Although the 2026 economic package has yet to be presented, it’s expected that Hacienda will again forecast more optimistic numbers than reality. Sheinbaum’s Plan Mexico aims to position the country among the top ten global economies. In 2024, Mexico ranked 12th in the Banco Mundial’s global ranking. However, with less than 1% growth in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, the goal seems distant. It’s challenging to advance when the engine barely starts.
The solution is clear: translate Plan Mexico into real investment through public-private coinvestment schemes that strengthen long-term productive capabilities, such as electricity generation. Yet, some administration members prioritize the 2026 FIFA World Cup, believing it could become an economic miracle.
Economists from institutions like BBVA have warned that the impact will be limited, insufficient to change the growth trajectory. Instead of a catalyst, the World Cup might reflect Mexico’s shortcomings. Just visiting Mexico City’s International Airport confirms this, as the country strives to welcome the world while its primary entry point crumbles.
Sports and Infrastructure: A Call for Improvement
Speaking of sports, the recent Mexico City International Marathon is worth mentioning. Runners, including those in wheelchairs, faced a route filled with potholes, raising concerns about the country’s normalization of inadequate conditions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How is Claudia Sheinbaum perceived internationally? Sheinbaum is widely regarded as a global leadership example, particularly noteworthy for being a woman leading one of the most vulnerable countries in relation to the United States.
- Q: What is the current state of Mexico’s economic growth? Mexico’s growth is minimal, at 0.7%, according to the latest INEGI data.
- Q: What are the challenges facing Mexico’s economic growth? Mexico must manage a deeply asymmetric relationship with the United States. Additionally, the current growth rate is insufficient to meet Plan Mexico’s ambitious goals.
- Q: How have sports events impacted Mexico’s infrastructure? Sports events, like the recent marathon and the upcoming FIFA World Cup, have highlighted Mexico’s infrastructure shortcomings, such as crumbling airports and inadequate sports venues.
