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'Let’s call it what it is: Mexico beat the U.S. ‘B’ team' - Mexico media weighs in on El Tri's Gold Cup final win over the USMNT

Javier Aguirre has revived the Mexican national team, both in spirit and results. Since taking over for a third time in July 2024 - after Mexico’s Nations League loss to the U.S. under Jaime Lozano - Aguirre has made it a priority to restore pride, identity, and unity within El Tri. His mission is working: Mexico won their first Nations League earlier this year and just captured its 10th Gold Cup title with a 2-1 win over the United States.“The players want to be here again. I see pride in representing the country,” Aguirre said post-match. “There used to be complaints about bonuses or travel. Not anymore. The connection with the fans is back.”While Mexico didn’t show their best football during the tournament, the results speak for themselves. Aguirre’s leadership is evident. “I’m tired… but tonight, not even God takes this beer from me,” he joked after the final.With no more official matches before the 2026 World Cup, Mexico will play friendlies against Japan and South Korea in September, then South American opponents in October.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mexico may have lifted the Gold Cup - and done so undefeated - but that hasn’t silenced its critics back home. In the wake of Sunday’s victory, much of the Mexican media remains unconvinced by El Tri’s performance and wary about what lies ahead.
David Faitelson, a journalist for TUDN, offered a blunt reality check.
"Let’s call it what it is: Mexico beat the U.S. ‘B’ team," he said. 
While acknowledging that Mexico played better and earned the title, Faitelson underscored a key point: the United States did not field their strongest squad.
Others were even more pointed. Álvaro Morales, an analyst for Futbol Picante on ESPN, controversially argued that the result wasn’t enough to secure Javier Aguirre’s place as head coach:
"He beat a team made up of athletes cut from other sports. The U.S. first team didn’t play, and if not for Luis Ángel Malagón’s late save, the game could’ve ended in a draw," he said. 
Pepe del Bosque of TNT Sports backed that criticism by listing the U.S. stars who were unavailable for the tournament, placing Mexico’s achievement in a broader context:
"[Cameron] Carter-Vickers of Celtic, [Joe] Scally from Gladbach, [Antonee] Robinson from Fulham, [Sergino Dest] from PSV, [Weston] McKennie from Juventus, [Yunus] Musah from AC Milan, [Christian] Pulisic from AC Milan, [Gio] Reyna from Dortmund, [Tim] Weah from Juventus, Monaco's Folarin Balogun along with Ricardo Pepi of PSV, and others were all missing. Yes, Mexico was better today, but the context matters."
Amid the criticism, some voices called for perspective. ESPN analyst and former executive Francisco Gabriel de Anda offered a more measured take:
"Mexico did its job, but winning the Gold Cup doesn’t guarantee success at a World Cup," he said. 
Veteran journalist José Ramón Fernández struck a similar tone, acknowledging the victory but warning that greater challenges lie ahead. 
"Aguirre can enjoy the Gold Cup, but now comes the real challenge. The pressure will only increase from here," he said.

WHAT THE MEXICAN MEDIA SAID

Despite doubts about this generation, Aguirre has made the most of young talents like Alexis Vega, Gilberto Mora, and Marcel Ruiz, who were key players in the Gold Cup. With Edson Álvarez emerging as a strong captain, and a solid core including Johan Vásquez and a resurgent Raúl Jiménez, the team looks ready to face 2026 with renewed hope.
The coaching staff finally looks solid, with Rafael Márquez serving as Aguirre’s assistant. The era of experiments, inexperienced coaches, and foreign managers coming just to cash in seems to be over. The Mexican Football Federation appears to be making the right moves, and the results this summer reflect that.
A strong generation is emerging. While there may not be a Hugo Sánchez, Rafael Márquez, or Andrés Guardado, this is now the team of Johan Vásquez, Edson Álvarez, and Raúl Jiménez. The foundation is there, and for the first time in a while, El Tri feels unified, competitive, and proud to wear the jersey.
Despite winning the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, Luis Ángel Malagón, Club América’s shot-stopper, was one of the most heavily criticized players during the Gold Cup. Heading into the tournament, Malagón was widely considered Mexico’s top goalkeeper and the presumed starter for the 2026 World Cup. However, his shaky performances throughout the competition exposed some weaknesses, sparking debate over whether he should remain El Tri’s No. 1. While many still view him as the leading candidate, the coming months will be crucial in determining if he holds onto the role - or if a new contender steps up to claim the spot.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With the Gold Cup final win, Javier Aguirre reached 50 victories in 79 matches as head coach of Mexico across his three tenures - a remarkable achievement that underscores his experience and impact. The victory also adds to Mexico’s historical record against the United States: El Tri has now won 39 of 80 all-time encounters between the two regional rivals.

DID YOU KNOW?

Aguirre’s team will return to action during the September FIFA window, facing Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9. Both matches will be played in the United States.

WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

'Let’s call it what it is: Mexico beat the U.S. ‘B’ team' - Mexico media weighs in on El Tri's Gold Cup final win over the USMNT | Goal.com

Aguirre’s team will return to action during the September FIFA window, facing Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9.