Mexico took a 12th-minute lead through striker Javier Hernandez and looked set to hand Spain defeat in their first outing since winning the World Cup in South Africa a month ago.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque praised his side's attitude in the friendly, with players having little practice since their 1-0 World Cup final win over Netherlands in Johannesburg on July 11.
"We, who turned up with few training sessions, have behaved extraordinarily. It's just another match but it has big symbolic significance because we came here almost without preparation," Del Bosque said.
"Some of the (team) members only had yesterday's practice," he told the post-match news conference.
"We must give the players 10 (out of 10), they made no excuses for playing the minutes they were asked to."
"Mexico have a team of quality with young players who were a threat in attack throughout the 90 minutes," Del Bosque said.
Playing their trademark short passing game at near walking pace in the first half, Spain had come closest when a venomous shot from Santi Cazorla rattled Guillermo Ochoa's crossbar.
Substitute Pedro, who came on in the 72nd minute, brought a good save from Mexico's substitute keeper Jesus Corona when he looked set to equalise three minutes from time.
He was handed a trophy at the end of the match in recognition of the Spanish team's visit, which is part of Mexico's Bicentennial celebrations.
