Mexico’s Luis Angel Malagon feels obligation to beat U.S.

HOUSTON – For Mexican national team goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon and striker Santiago Gimenez, the rivalry with the United States national soccer team is more than just about a game. It’s also about responsibility. 

A win for Mexico on Sunday night at Houston’s NRG Stadium would do more than just bring home another Gold Cup final trophy. It also would bring a sense of hope to a Mexican community that has faced challenges that go beyond the pitch. 

“Given the circumstances, things are tough,” said Luis Angel Malagon, Mexico’s starting goalkeeper. “I want to thank the people who always show up. Like I’ve always said, we don’t know what they have to do, what time they have to wake up, or how many hours they have to work just to come support us. 

“To me, that is incredibly motivating because it pushes me to show up, too.” 

Chasing 10th Gold Cup title

Mexico aims to become the first country to win 10 Gold Cup titles. Mexico leads the tournament’s all-time standings with nine championships. The United States has the second-most title wins at seven. The rivalry spans decades and continues to intensify. 

“Yes, first of all, like I said before, this is the Clasico of North America,” Gimenez said. “And it’s not just today. It always has been. I think the rivalry with the United States in football has always been there. And it’s a beautiful thing — it’s part of football, right?

“Every national team, every squad, has its own Clasico, its rival to beat. And I believe our rival to beat is the United States. Their rival to beat is us. So that desire to defeat the other that’s going to show on the field.”

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For Malagon and his teammates, the final is not just about bragging rights. It’s a tribute to the families who fill the stands and those who sacrifice their time and money to wave the Mexican flag in support of El Tri. 

“It’s always going to be a challenge to win more for what I believe Mexico represents,” Malagon said. “We are aware of what happens outside. We try to give our best on the field to give satisfaction to the people. It gives us a responsibility to get the title. That is a satisfaction for everyone.”

Luis Angel Malagon appreciates fans

That responsibility feels heavy considering Mexico’s last Gold Cup encounter with the United States. In the 2023 Gold Cup final, the U.S. earned a 1-0 victory over Mexico.

Mexico’s last official competition victory over the U.S. was in the 2019 Gold Cup. Jonathan dos Santos secured the victory for El Tri with a goal in the 73rd minute.

The final gives Mexico a chance to establish itself as the team to beat. Lifting the trophy for a 10th time could help silence the doubts of their spot at the top of Concacaf. 

In Houston, NRG Stadium will see an unwavering support for El Tri. Given that the city has a huge Mexican and Mexican American population, the crowd is expected to make it feel like a home game for El Tri. 

In many ways, that will raise the pressure on the Mexican team. Malagon appreciates that support and the pressure that comes with it.