'I want to tease Pulisic and Musah' - Mexico's Santiago Giménez targets Gold Cup win, banter with AC Milan’s USMNT duo

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Mexico and the United States face off this Sunday in the Gold Cup Final

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Mexico’s Santiago Giménez is fired up ahead of his first Gold Cup final clash against the United States. The 23-year-old striker, who recently joined AC Milan, is hoping for a win not just to help Mexico lift its 10th Gold Cup title - but also for some light-hearted bragging rights.

"I’m really looking forward to the Final. It’s the North American Clasico - always intense," he said at Mexico's press conference ahead of the final. "Honestly, I want to tease Musah and Pulisic. That’s part of football - the rivalry, the passion, the desire to win. We want to fight for our people and make them proud."

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

While neither Christian Pulisic nor Yunus Musah is on the U.S. roster for this tournament, Giménez sees the final as a chance to carry national pride into his club's dressing room, where both Americans are now his teammates at Milan. Despite Mexico's success, Gimenez has struggled to make an impact in the journey to the final as he's been held scoreless. El Tri could potentially gain a boost if the AC Milan striker gets firing again in Sunday's final.

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WHAT SANTIAGO GIMÉNEZ SAID

Off the field, the Mexican forward also addressed recent speculation in Italy suggesting he could be on his way out of AC Milan - just a few months after his arrival. But Giménez made it clear he's not going anywhere.

"I'm calm about the rumors. I’ve already gotten used to that kind of talk," he explained. "I just got to Milan and people are already saying I’ll leave. It doesn’t bother me. I’m focused on improving myself, not proving anything to others."

Giménez added that he feels comfortable with the Rossoneri and is determined to take full advantage of the opportunity he's been given.

"It feels like home. I’m living the dream of playing for a club like Milan," he said. "There were reports I might leave, but I’ve spoken with the board and coaching staff, and the plan is for me to stay. I want to show my best version next season - especially with the World Cup on the horizon."

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WHAT NEXT FOR GIMÉNEZ AND MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

Giménez is expected to start on the bench this Sunday in the Gold Cup Final against the USMNT, having lost the starting striker role to Raúl Jiménez - will likely seeing action in the second half.

It could be the perfect stage for a breakthrough. In the 2023 Gold Cup final against Panama, Giménez scored the title-winning goal. Now, back at NRG Stadium, he’ll be hoping to end his current goal drought in a similarly dramatic fashion.