Inglewood, California - On March 23, 2025, the Mexican national soccer team emerged victorious in the Concacaf Nations League final, defeating Panama 2-1 at the SoFi Stadium. This marked a significant achievement for Mexico, as it secured their first Nations League title, breaking the previous streak of dominance held by the United States since the tournament's inception.
Mexico wasted no time in asserting their presence in the match with Raúl Jiménez scoring in the 7th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error from Panama. Jiménez, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in England, headed the ball into the net, giving Mexico an early lead. However, Panama did not back down easily, responding with determination and pressure against the Mexican defense throughout the first half.
The match took a dramatic turn just before halftime when Panama's Adalberto Carrasquilla leveled the score by converting a penalty kick in the 45+1 minute, following a controversial VAR review that deemed a handball in the area. The equalizer sent both teams into the break tied at one goal apiece, intensifying the atmosphere as fans from both sides braced for a fierce second half.
However, it was during crucial moments in the match that Mexican goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón truly shone. Known for his agility and reflexes, Malagón delivered several key saves, particularly a mesmerizing stop in the 5th minute that denied a potential goal from Carrasquilla, preserving Mexico’s lead early on. His performance drew admiration from fans and experts alike, including Jorge Campos, a legendary figure in Mexican soccer, who praised Malagón as the best goalkeeper in the country.
“He’s become an essential player for us,” said Campos, emphasizing the young goalkeeper's ability to make critical saves when under pressure. Malagón’s confidence and skill were evident throughout the match; he displayed impressive anticipation skills, which frustrated Panama’s attempts to score.
In the second half, Mexico maintained control, working to reclaim the lead. The tension reached its peak when, in the dying minutes of the match, Mexico was awarded a penalty after a foul on Santiago Giménez. Raúl Jiménez stepped up to take the shot and, despite the pressure, successfully converted it in the 93rd minute, sending the Mexican crowd into a frenzy and sealing the title for El Tri.
After the match, team captain Edson Álvarez shared his thoughts on the victory and the significance of the title. “Winning this trophy means a lot to us. It was a great performance by the team, and I’m proud of how we came together today,” he stated. Álvarez also mentioned that the team's identity remained intact despite multiple coaching changes, emphasizing their unfaltering commitment to wearing the Mexican jersey with pride.
Before the final, Mexico had showcased dominant performances, defeating Canada 2-0 in the semifinal, with two goals from Jiménez, who once again proved to be the team's key player. Meanwhile, Panama’s journey to the final was marked by a shocking upset against the United States in the semifinals, overcoming previous expectations with a 1-0 victory thanks to Cecilio Waterman’s last-minute goal.
“Panama has been building a strong team, and we knew it wouldn’t be easy,” said Malagón, acknowledging the skills of the opposing team and their recent successes. “We had to respect them and focus on our game, and we did that well today.” The Mexican side entered the final aware of the necessity to capture the championship not only to break the U.S.’s dominance but also to solidify their own legacy within the region.
The rivalry between Mexico and Panama has deep roots, with historical encounters often characterized by intense matches and a significant level of competition. That night’s match only added another chapter to that ongoing narrative. Mexico's success has reignited hopes among their supporters, who view the victory as a step toward reclaiming supremacy in Concacaf.
As the celebrations unfolded, players and fans alike reveled in the triumph. The night belonged to Mexico, who, fueled by their determination and the skillful display of players like Malagón and Jiménez, emerged as champions in the inaugural Concacaf Nations League title.
