Liga MX veteran enjoys sweet father-son moment in Mexican soccer match

Even at 38 years of age, Julio Cesar "Cata" Dominguez is still fit enough to see minutes at the highest level of Mexican soccer. But he put in a request this week to move to a lower category for a special reason.

A Cruz Azul legend after playing more matches than any other player for the Mexico City club, Dominguez currently suits up for Atletico San Luis. He has appeared in four matches this season, but on Friday dropped to the U-21 level so he could face his son, a Pumas academy player.

The father shared an emotional hug with his son, who turns 18 Sunday, April 19, before the match.

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Julio Cesar Dominguez Junior entered the game in the 74th minute, allowing the father and son to share the field in a competitive game for likely the only time in their lives. The younger Dominguez is registered as a defender, like his dad, but also has played in the midfield.

While Mexico's youth levels are intended for developing players, teams are permitted to drop senior players into those matches so they can pick up minutes or recover from injury.

Is Cata Dominguez retiring from soccer?

The elder Dominguez's contract with Atletico San Luis runs out this summer, but he is yet to announce his future plans. His career will reach 20 years later this month since he made his professional debut April 29, 2006 at the age of 18. Initially a pure center back, Dominguez developed into a versatile defender who also could play right back. That ability to adapt made him an attractive player for Mexico national team managers, and he earned more than two-dozen caps for El Tri.

Friday's match ended 1-1 with Pumas taking the contest in a penalty shootout. The clubs' senior teams meet Friday, April 17 with Atlético San Luis needing points to get into the playoff and Pumas hoping to solidify its place in the top four ahead of the Liguilla.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cruz Azul legend Cata Dominguez drops to U-21 soccer level to face son