HOUSTON – Mexican striker Santiago Giménez is eager for the Gold Cup final against the United States on Sunday. Winning this match would give Mexico its record 10th Concacaf title, a significant achievement against a fierce rival, and could set the stage for some lighthearted teasing with his American teammates at AC Milan.
"I’m really excited about the final. The North American Classico has been intense lately, especially the last few matches against the U.S.," Giménez shared with reporters on Saturday.
He added, "Plus, I have (Christian) Pulisic and (Yunus) Musa in the locker room at Milan, so I plan to have a little fun with them."
"This rivalry is always there; it’s an ongoing classic. Every club has its own rivalries, and this match adds to that special competition."
Despite the chance for some friendly bragging rights this summer, neither Musa nor Pulisic, along with a host of other prominent U.S. players, will be present on the field against Giménez on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the U.S. team, even with Mauricio Pochettino’s alternate roster, has made it to the final.
Historically, Mexico has won five encounters against the U.S., while the U.S. has two victories. In their last meeting during the tournament’s 2021 final, the U.S. triumphed over Mexico 1-0 in extra time.
"This isn’t just another classic; it’s the final, and we need to win," stated Raul Jiménez ahead of the match. "We must give it our all, but above all, we should enjoy the moment and the game."
With nine Gold Cup titles, Mexico leads the all-time tally, while the U.S. Men’s National Team follows with seven. Current Mexican manager Javier Aguirre is in his third term, having last lifted the Gold Cup in 2009.
Fan Take: This matchup is crucial not only for bragging rights but also as a reflection of the fierce rivalry that fuels soccer in North America. A victory for Mexico would further solidify its status in the region, while a win for the U.S. could signal a shift in the competitive landscape, making this final a must-watch for fans.
