The All Whites may have lost the friendly, but they emerged with credit for the way they played.
They restricted Mexico to few chances, and the goal they scored was superbly created by Deklan Wynne and finished by Marco Rojas.
The PFA Player of the Year said the Gunners showed interest this summer but Leicester pushed back against them, while Mahrez says he did not want to create ‘conflict’ despite being aware of Arsenal’s interest.
His Leicester teammate Jamie Vardy recently revealed his reasons for turning down the chance to join Arsene Wenger’s side in the summer and now Mahrez has explained that he too was a Gunners target.
The Barcelona defender is something of a divisive figure with Spanish supporters owing to his support for Catalan independence.
He became embroiled in his latest storm during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania when he cut the sleeves off his jersey, angering some fans in the process.
Estonia vs Greece
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off at 19:45 UK
Venue: A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn.
Estonia will need to prove that their win over Gibraltar is not a fluke, they will be hosting an inform Greece at A. Le Coq Arena on Monday night.
Gibraltar vs Belgium
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Estadio Do Algarve, Sao Joao da Venda.
The in-form Belgium side will travel to face Gibraltar at Estadio Do Algarve on Monday night in a bid to continue their excellent form in the World Cup qualifiers campaign.
Andorra vs Switzerland
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella.
Switzerland have done themselves good in this campaign so far, winning 2 games from 2. They have defeated Portugal and Hungary in their first 2 games, now they will travel to Estadi Nacional to Andorra on Monday night.
Netherlands vs France
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Amsterdam Arena.
Netherlands and France won their respective matches on day 2 convincingly after being held to draws on the opening day. Both wins were at home and by the same 4-1 margin as the Dutch eased past Belarus and the French came from a goal behind to see off Bulgaria.
Belarus vs Luxembourg
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Borisov Arena, Borisov.
Belarus were thrashed by Netherlands on a 4-1 to leave them win-less after two matches into the World Cup Qualifying Campaign. They were nowhere near the side that held to France on the matchday and some comical defending cost them dearly. Quincy Promes was the man of the moment for the Dutch side, who scored a double in the first half which was complemented by goals from Davy Klaasnen and Vincent Jansen.
Sweden vs Bulgaria
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Friends Arena (Solna).
Sweden managed a lone goal victory over low rated side Luxembourg on Friday night, now they will be hosting Bulgaria at Friends Arena Solna on Sunday night.
After their disappointment in the European Championship, Sweden have switched back to a good run of form. Sweden have been unbeaten in their 2 games so far after Euro, with a win and a draw. Sweden are currently 3rd in the group A table with 4 points, same points with France and Netherlands above them. They will be hoping for a win in this game to go top of the table depending on other results.
Albania vs Spain
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Sunday, 9th October 2016
Kick-off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Loro Borici Stadium (Shkoder).
Albania went top of the group G table on Thursday night as they defeated Liechtenstein 0-2. They are now top of the table with 6 points and they will be preparing to host Spain at home on Sunday night.