'Mɪssɪᴏɴ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪsʜᴇᴅ'

‘Mission accomplished’ – A dynamic brace from Raúl Jiménez helps Mexico lift its first CONCACAF Nations League trophy

With two goals from Raúl Jiménez, Mexico defeated Panama 2-1 to win their first Nations League title

AFP

WHAT HAPPENED?

Raúl Jiménez was the standout player for the Mexican national team in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League, scoring four goals over the final two matches. The forward became the top scorer in this stage, surpassing Christian Pulisic, who had scored three goals. Jiménez powered El Tri, who had never won the tournament since its inception.

“Mission accomplished,” he said after the match Sunday. “These matches are tough, but we played the way we needed to after they tied the game, and we’re happy with the victory. The team’s work was solid – when we had to defend, we did, and when we had to attack, we did. We changed our mindset; the same desire that both we and ‘Vasco’ have to represent Mexico at home is what drives us. We share the same motivation.”

The ‘Lobo de Tepejí’ is 13 goals away from surpassing Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as the all-time scorer for the Mexican national team.

“I’m excited about what the national team is doing. Fortunately, we got rid of that thorn by finally winning this championship,” he said. “I had played in the preliminary rounds but had never played in the Final Four, and what better way to do it than by winning it on my first try. This is just the beginning – I still have a lot to give to the national team, and I will give my best effort. If things go well, great. Thank you all for the support.”

AFP

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With two goals from Jiménez, Mexico defeated Panama 2-1 to secure their first Nations League title. A penalty goal by Jiménez in the 92nd minute broke a 1-1 tie.

The Mexican national team’s process under Javier Aguirre continues to grow and gain confidence. The Fulham striker’s two goals placed him as the third-highest scorer in El Tri’s history, surpassing Cuauhtémoc Blanco with 39 goals.

Jiménez put Mexico ahead in the eighth minute of the first half, but Adalberto Carrasquilla equalized in stoppage time of the half. In the final moments of the second half, a costly handball by José Córdoba inside the box led to a penalty, allowing Jiménez to seal Mexico’s victory from the spot.

AFP

DID YOU KNOW?

Mexico won the Nations League for the first time. It is the 17th official title for the Mexican national team. They have 12 Gold Cup titles, two NAFC titles, one Nations League title, one Confederations Cup, and one CONCACAF Cup.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO?

El Tri aims to arrive in top form for the 2026 World Cup, where they will be one of the host nations. With the matches against Switzerland and Turkey confirmed for the June FIFA dates, they will begin their preparation for the 2025 Gold Cup.