Mexico striker Santiago Giménez expressed his frustration after a controversial VAR decision disallowed his spectacular late goal in El Tri's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, their final group-stage match at the 2025 Gold Cup.

'I wasn't sure if the offside was on Quiñones or me - they said it was on me,' the AC Milan forward stated. 'But it was a deflection, not a touch. I reviewed the replay. These things occur in football. If I were the referee and saw such a goal, I'd allow it. However, there are people who seem against football.'

Despite his disappointment, Giménez recognized the team's advancement.

'I desperately wanted that goal and the three points,' he continued. 'Nevertheless, this draw feels like a victory since we led the group. Now, we're looking ahead—each game is a fresh chapter, and we're determined to defend our Gold Cup title.'

Although he scored in Mexico’s pre-Gold Cup friendly against Switzerland, ending a nearly two-year drought, Giménez hadn't found the net in an official match since the 2023 Gold Cup final.

On Sunday evening, he appeared to end that drought in stoppage time with a brilliant overhead kick in the 94th minute, following a free kick by Luis Chávez that deflected off Orlando Galo. The ball set up perfectly for Giménez, who volleyed it past Keylor Navas. Sadly, the goal was disallowed after VAR review confirmed he was offside.

Giménez is satisfied with Mexico's group-stage performance after the draw.

'Our primary objective was to top the group,' he said. 'We must improve both our starting lineup and substitutes. We're a united team, fully committed. In tough matches like this, you strive to win, but a draw suffices for us.'

Mexico is now gearing up for the Gold Cup quarterfinals, where they will take on Saudi Arabia next Saturday in Glendale, Arizona.