Head coach Javier Aguirre made the tactical decision to carry four natural strikers in his 2026 World Cup roster. While Santiago Gimenez made the final 26-man cut, he enters the tournament with very low chances of seeing extended minutes on the pitch.

With Raul Jimenez locked in as the undisputed starter, Gimenez is currently regarded as the third or fourth option on the depth chart. Having endured a difficult club season with AC Milan, his place on the bench tonight, in a game in which Mexico could secure a ticket for the Round of 32, is a purely tactical choice by Aguirre.

Santiago Gimenez may see limited minutes in the World Cup

Gimenez plagued by a persistent ankle injury throughout the entire 2025/26 season. This health issue sidelined him for a significant portion of the campaign, limiting him to just 1,037 minutes of action with AC Milan, where he registered a lone goal and three assists.

Aguirre ultimately chose to include Gimenez in the World Cup squad due to his invaluable European experience. However, Guillermo Martinez (Pumas UNAM) and Armando Gonzalez (Chivas) currently appear to be ahead of him in the manager’s pecking order.

Martinez provides a physical, big-bodied target-man presence whose aerial dominance is heavily felt by opposing defenses. On the other hand, Gonzalez offers far more mobility than both Jimenez and Martinez, coming off an astonishing breakout year with Chivas in which he racked up 24 goals.

Will Santiago Gimenez stay with AC Milan?

Santiago Gimenez originally signed with AC Milan as a highly touted rising star expected to become the club’s next elite striker. Unfortunately, recurrent injuries have prevented him from showcasing his true capabilities on the Serie A stage as much as he would have liked.

With Ruben Amorim recently hired as the Rossoneri’s new manager, Gimenez’s future in Italy hangs in the balance. It remains highly uncertain whether Amorim will choose to keep the Mexican forward in his plans or if he will ask the front office to send him out on loan to another European club where he can secure guaranteed first-team minutes.

Although due to very different reasons, both Ochoa and Gimenez will be sitting on the substitutes bench as Mexico host South Africa at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca). Without two of its biggest household names, El Tri will vie to come away with a crucial win against Bafana Bafana.

Ochoa is currently listed as Mexico’s third-choice goalkeeper. In fact, he was a late addition to the national team’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Due to Luis Malagon’s injury, El Tri was put in a race against the clock, and Aguirre gave the experienced netminder his vote of confidence.

Guillermo Ochoa has been included in six World Cup squads, though he has only played in three of the previous five tournaments. In their debut in soccer’s biggest tournament, Mexico’s confirmed starting lineup hinted Aguirre is trusting Raul Rangel to stand in goal, leaving Ochoa as an emergency option against South Africa.

Why is Gimenez on the bench?

As for Santiago Gimenez, the young Mexican star who plays for Italian side AC Milan, he has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained last year. He made progress, but Aguirre and his staff are still not fully convinced that Gimenez is ready to start. In fact, in Mexico’s last friendlies, it was Guillermo Martinez who played in the spot usually occupied by Gimenez.

However, in the World Cup debut, Aguirre will roll with the following forward group: Julian Quiñones, Raul Jimenez, and Roberto Alvarado. Both Gimenez and Martinez will be options off the bench if El Tri find themselves in need of reinforcements.

Who is in Group A?

In addition to Mexico and South Africa, Group A is completed by South Korea and Czechia. In fact, the latter two will be going up against one another later tonight, as they will meet at Estadio Guadalajara at 10:00 p.m. ET.

El Tri has historically relied on naturalized talent to bolster the squad for major international tournaments. For this campaign, head coach Javier Aguirre has called up five foreign-born standouts.

Santiago Gimenez (Argentina), Julian Quinones (Colombia), Alvaro Fidalgo (Spain), Obed Vargas (United States), and Brian Gutierrez (United States) are the five players chosen to represent Mexico on the world stage.

High quality among Mexico’s foreign-born stars

Aguirre’s selections bring immense talent and top-tier experience to the national team. Four of these players currently ply their trade abroad, with Brian Gutierrez serving as the lone domestic representative.

Julian Quinones, forward – Al Qadisiya

Julian Quinones arrives after a spectacular season with Al Qadisiya, where he finished as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is locked in as Mexico’s starting left winger.

Alvaro Fidalgo, midfielder – Real Betis

Alvaro Fidalgo recently returned to his home country to join Real Betis. The midfielder is an undisputed starter and will serve as the primary creative mind in the center of the pitch for El Tri.

Santiago Gimenez, forward – AC Milan

Though recovering from an injury-plagued season at AC Milan, Santiago Gimenez remains a dangerous weapon. However, he currently projects as a depth option behind Raul Jimenez, Armando Gonzalez, and Guillermo Martinez.

Obed Vargas, midfielder – Atletico Madrid

Obed Vargas was a surprise inclusion on the final roster. Despite seeing limited minutes with Atletico Madrid this past season, his development in Europe gives him a distinct advantage.

Brian Gutierrez, midfielder – Chivas

Finally, Brian Gutierrez enters the tournament following a breakout season with Chivas. His consistent international performances have many expecting him to start in Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa on June 11.

From the opening whistle, Mexico dominated possession and dictated the tempo, patiently working the ball through midfield in search of openings. Despite their control, El Tri struggled to penetrate Costa Rica’s organized defense and were repeatedly denied by Navas’ acrobatic saves. Costa Rica, meanwhile, relied on quick counterattacks and maintained solid defensive discipline to frustrate their opponents.

The intensity of the match grew as both teams fought hard in midfield, with physical challenges and tactical battles shaping much of the action. Costa Rica received several yellow cards amid rising tensions, and Mexico’s final passes often lacked the precision needed to break down the resilient Ticos.

As the match wound down, Mexico ramped up the pressure in search of a late winner. Santiago Giménez found the back of the net in the dying moments, only to have the goal ruled out for offside. The 0-0 result means both teams earn valuable points and advance in the tournament, but the match was defined by Navas’ heroics and the fine margins that kept the score even.

With one win already under their belt, Javier Aguirre’s squad are looking to move closer to securing a spot in the knockout stage. Costa Rica currently sit atop Group A with six points from two matches, and Mexico hope to challenge for the top spot in the final group fixture.

Giménez’s exclusion stems from Aguirre’s dissatisfaction with his performance in the tournament opener. Despite the 3–2 victory, the Milan forward left doubts after failing to convert several clear chances that could have widened the lead and eased the pressure on the team.

As a result, Aguirre has opted to start Julian Quiñones in his place against Suriname, signaling a need for greater efficiency up front as Mexico push to secure their place in the next round.

Mexico’s confirmed starting XI vs Suriname

Javier Aguirre’s side have made both a formation switch and four changes to their starting XI compared to the lineup that faced the Dominican Republic. Santiago Giménez, Jorge Sánchez, Erik Lira, and Orbelín Pineda will all start on the bench, as Mexico look to freshen things up for their second group stage match.

Johan Vasquez, Marcel Ruiz, Alexis Vega, and Julian Quiñones have been brought into the starting lineup as El Tri aim to secure another three points in their push for a quarterfinal berth.

Here’s Mexico’s confirmed starting XI to face Suriname: Luis Angel Malagon; Israel Reyes, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesús Gallardo; Roberto Alvarado, Marcel Ruiz, Edson Alvarez, Alexis Vega; Julian Quiñones, Raul Jiménez.

To get an early sense of how things might play out, Bolavip US turned to artificial intelligence for a forecast. When asked to predict the 2025 Gold Cup winner, ChatGPT offered an answer that caught fans by surprise: “Mexico stand out as the top contender to win the 2025 Gold Cup due to its experienced squad, strong tactical identity, and full-strength roster. Under Javier Aguirre, the team has developed cohesion and versatility, combining experienced like Edson Álvarez with emerging talents such as Santiago Gimenez.”

The AI also analyzed the USMNT’s situation under coach Mauricio Pochettino. “The United States enters the 2025 Gold Cup with a younger, experimental squad and plenty of questions after recent poor performances. Despite playing at home, the team lacks key leaders and may struggle to find consistency. A semifinal run is possible, but anything beyond that would be a surprise.”

Despite having a clear national team candidate to win the Gold Cup, the AI did not hesitate to explain the reasons why the Canadian national team would not be a candidate for the title. “Canada remain a threat with stars like Jonathan David, but questions persist about their midfield depth and ability to handle high-pressure matches.”

Who will be the best player at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup?

The Canadian and United States national teams will miss key players due to the FIFA Club World Cup and other personal setbacks, such as injuries. As a result, the 2025 Gold Cup could offer a chance for new stars to emerge. In the 2023 edition, Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla claimed the award for best player. Now, the spotlight shifts again, and this time, the prediction comes from artificial intelligence.

According to ChatGPT, one player stands out above the rest. “Santiago Gimenez is set to be the standout performer of the 2025 Gold Cup. He arrives at the tournament in top form following a standout season in Serie A. His blend of physicality, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing makes him the centerpiece of Mexico’s offense. If El Tri goes on to win the title—as expected—Giménez is likely to be the decisive figure in key moments, much like he was in the 2023 final.”

Santiago Giménez has arrived at AC Milan riding the momentum of his brilliant career at Feyenoord, but it’s not just his skill on the field that has put him on the international radar—it’s also his salary.

Following his signing, the forward secured a lucrative contract that places him among the team’s most notable players, though still far from the wages of stars like Rafael Leão or João Félix.

However, beyond the numbers, his impact goes beyond money: his presence has raised the team’s expectations and even boosted jersey sales, reflecting the excitement he generates among fans.

What is Santiago Gimenez’s salary?

Santiago Giménez, a forward born in Argentina but with Mexican nationality, has experienced a remarkable rise in his earnings since his arrival in European soccer. His deal with AC Milan is worth $2 million, as Capology reported.

In August 2023, Feyenoord acquired 90% of his federative rights for approximately $3 million, while Cruz Azul retained the remaining 10%. In his first year in the Eredivisie, he earned an annual salary of $900,000.

His standout performances, including five goals in the Champions League group stage, caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 2025, AC Milan secured his rights for $35 million euros, and he signed a four-year contract.

This means he will stay at the club until June 2029, with an option to extend his stay until 2030. In addition to the salary, his transfer to Milan included a buyout clause of $54 million dollars, reflecting his high market value.

How much does Santiago Gimenez earn in a week?

Santiago Giménez’s salary at AC Milan amounts to $2 million dollars annually, which translates into significant earnings of $38,462 per week, $5,494 dollars per day and $229.75 dollars per hour.

These figures are a clear reflection of his value and talent on the field, and they give us a tangible sense of how his successful arrival in Milan translates into significant financial rewards, as he is one of the key players on the team.

During an interview with TNT Sports Mexico, Santiago Gimenez participated in a rapid-fire quiz about his life, career, and soccer preferences. When asked to pick between Messi and Ronaldo, his answer was immediate: “Messi.”

Gimenez’s choice might raise eyebrows, as his playing style seems more aligned with Ronaldo’s attributes than Messi’s. As a prolific striker with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, Gimenez thrives in the penalty box, showcasing physicality, sharp instincts, and an uncanny ability to find and finish scoring opportunities—qualities often associated with Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Gimenez’s personal history appears to have played a significant role in his preference. Born in Buenos Aires in 2001, Gimenez moved to Mexico at the age of 3 with his father, Christian Gimenez, an Argentine player who built a successful career in Mexican soccer. Christian became a naturalized citizen and even represented Mexico at the international level, influencing his son’s eventual decision to play for the country.

Despite his loyalty to Mexico, Santiago Gimenez retains a deep connection to his Argentine roots, which undoubtedly shapes his admiration for Messi. Earlier this year, Gimenez shared a photo on Instagram featuring Lionel Messi’s signed Inter Miami jersey. He captioned the post: “GOAT… Thank you Leo Messi,” accompanied by emojis of a goat and a heart.

Messi’s influence

Santiago Gimenez has often expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi. In an interview with TyC Sports, the Feyenoord striker said, “I’m not lying, I love Messi. He’s an animal; he’s the greatest of all time.”

When asked about his choice to represent Mexico over Argentina, Gimenez offered a heartfelt explanation regarding Messi: “It’s better to play against him. I love him; I think he’s the best player in history. But I wasn’t going to make the decision for Messi—I was going to make it with my heart… and I’m happy with the decision.”

Gimenez chooses between Mbappe and Haaland

In the same interview with TNT Sports Mexico, Gimenez was asked to choose between two of today’s brightest young stars: Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Initially impressed by Haaland’s dominance, Gimenez said, “I was amazed by Haaland, he’s an animal.” However, he ultimately sided with Mbappe, citing the Frenchman’s incredible hat-trick in the World Cup final. “To score three goals in a World Cup final… I think Mbappe,” he concluded.

Santiago Gimenez’s picks reveal not only his deep admiration for the game’s legends but also his grounded perspective as a player. As his career continues to flourish, Gimenez’s respect for icons like Messi and Mbappe serves as a testament to his own aspirations on the global stage.

The Mexican international sustained the injury during Sunday’s match against NAC Breda, where he had to be carried off on a stretcher after just half an hour at De Kuip.

Despite this setback, Giménez has had an impressive start to the season, netting four goals in seven appearances for Feyenoord. Since his arrival from Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in July 2022, the 23-year-old has scored a remarkable total of 53 goals for the club.

Santiago Giménez’s Injury Comes at a Bad Time

Santiago Giménez continues to maintain healthy numbers in the Eredivisie, and the Mexican international has been the subject of various high-profile rumors regarding a move to a better league.

Giménez’s thigh injury will keep him away until 2025, and he will most likely finish this season with Feyenoord. Despite his club success, the striker has not been able to translate his good form to the national team, where he has only four goals in 32 caps.

Mexico are a team that has faced several internal problems since the end of the last World Cup. The elimination in the first round was not only a huge disappointment for the “Aztec” fans but also led to a string of bad results and various inconveniences.

While it cannot be said that all these issues are definitively behind them, the truth is that they have recently found some peace. Leading by Jaime Lozano, Mexico aim to demonstrate that they are ready for greater achievements with a team full of young players in this Copa America 2024.

Key Players for Mexico

The Mexican players have an array of talent to rely on in this year’s tournament. West Ham star, Edson Alvarez will lead the way, as the captain has had an outstanding season in the English Premier League.

Forward Santiago Gimenez is another player Mexican fans get excited about as his impressive displays for his club and country haven’t been forgotten.

Edson Alvarez started his football journey with a local professional club, America. Starring for them earned him a move to Europe where Dutch giants, Ajax for a reported fee of $17 million US. Alvarez’s career kept progressing and secured a transfer to the top flight of English where West Ham acquired the services of the tenacious defensive midfielder.

Santiago Gimenez‘s career started in Mexico where he came up through the youth ranks at Cruz Azul. His progression to the first team was quick and after his senior debut, he stayed as a first-team regular. He made 88 appearances for the club and scored 20 goals. Dutch club Feyenoord showed their interest and signed him on a 4-year contract, securing the forward services as his career made its way to Europe.

Mexican squad for Copa America: Young talents

The Mexican team is composed mostly of young players, with an average age of 26 years. Goalkeeper Julio Gonzalez is the oldest member of the team at 33 years old, and he is the only player in the squad over 30 years old.

Among the young prospects, Marcelo Flores from Tigres UANL stands out as the youngest player on the team at just 20 years old, along with Bryan Gonzalez from Pachuca, who is 21 years old. Despite already being an established player, it is impossible not to mention Santiago Gimenez, an important player for Feyenoord at only 23 years old.

Mexican squad for Copa America: Expectations

Mexico did not have an easy group, but it could have been much worse. They are one of the favorites to advance to the next round, understanding that the strongest rival in the group is Ecuador. While Mexico may not be the favorites against Ecuador, it is certainly not an impossible opponent to defeat.

Jamaica are another rival from Concacaf, a conference in which Mexico are one of the great powers, making Jamaica a team they can beat. Venezuela have historically been one of Conmebol’s weaker teams, but they have improved significantly in recent years. It is likely that Mexico’s qualification will hinge on their match against Venezuela.

That’s why, next summer, Gimenez might finally sign with a powerhouse in Europe. However, the story is very different when he plays for Mexico’s national team.

Last Thursday, during the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League against Panama, Santi didn’t play at all. No minutes even coming from the bench. Coach Jaime Lozano preferred Henry Martin as his starting striker surrounded by players such as Julian Quiñones and Uriel Antuna.

Why is Santiago Gimenez not playing with Mexico?

This is merely a tactical decision by coach Jaime Lozano. Henry Martin has been the favorite player for his scheme since he managed the U-23 team and led them to bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Now, a major controversy has erupted in Mexico because cameras captured Santiago Gimenez kicking the bench at the end of the match against Panama. The forward just couldn’t hide his frustration.

Even his father, the famous ‘Chaco’ Gimenez, had to clarify what happened in an interview with Fox Sports. “He’s a bit disappointed by the reaction in the moment, but I take it as something normal. He was angry and didn’t measure that moment. It was really just that. In that sense, he’s sorry to his teammates, he’s sorry to the coach for the reaction he had, but it’s something normal.”

Meanwhile, Lozano admitted that he didn’t expect to leave Santiago Gimenez on the bench for the entire match, but circumstances led him to make that decision. Now, the big question is whether he will play as a starter in the final against the United States.