In a sensational culmination of skill and determination, Raúl Jiménez shone brightly for the Mexican national football team, scoring two goals against Canada in a thrilling semifinal of the Concacaf Nations League held on March 20, 2025. This remarkable performance not only secured a 2-0 victory for Mexico but also propelled Jiménez one step closer to the record books as he climbed to the rank of the fourth highest scorer in the country's history with a total of 37 goals.
With his first goal being the fastest ever recorded in the tournament's history, scored just 45 seconds into the match, Jiménez quickly made his mark. He followed this with a brilliantly executed free kick in the 75th minute. His accomplishments have drawn him within striking distance of Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s iconic 39-goal record, which has captivated supporters of the sport in Mexico.
After the match, a visibly elated Jiménez shared his enthusiasm for contributing to his team's success. “I want to continue helping the team in every training session, every match, giving my maximum effort. I know the goals will come because I’m never going to give up,” he said, expressing his unwavering dedication. He added that he aims to knock off as many balls as possible to reach the highest level. Jiménez’s resilience is all the more impressive given his prior struggles with a cranial injury that nearly sidelined him permanently.
The journey to this defining match was intense. Jiménez had entered the week eager to surpass legendary figures in Mexican football, acknowledging before the match that he was targeting the illustrious record held by Javier Hernández, who tops the list of all-time Mexican scorers with 52 goals in 109 appearances. In addition to Hernández, Jared Borgetti and Luis ‘Matador’ Hernández are also in Jiménez's sights, standing at 46 and 35 goals respectively.
Santiago Giménez, another forward who played alongside Jiménez during the match, has expressed his excitement at partnering with such a prolific goal-scorer. The young star highlighted the importance of learning from Jiménez, who has accumulated over 30 more goals than he has for the national team, while also being a full decade his senior. “It’s an honor to play alongside a great forward like him,” Giménez noted.
As the conversations shifted to the upcoming final where Mexico is set to face Panama—who stunned many by eliminating the United States in the semifinals—both Jiménez and Giménez acknowledged the challenge ahead. “It’s going to be a tough match. Panama is a team that has proven their strength,” Jiménez said, stressing the importance of maintaining their focus and performance levels.
Jiménez's performance on the field resonated with fans and teammates alike. He has shown a steadfast commitment to his craft and a promising trajectory as he eyes historic milestones. Currently holding 37 goals with only 15 more needed to surpass Hernández, he is deemed a vital asset as the team prepares for the World Cup in 2026.
In the historical context, Jiménez's achievements have positioned him uniquely. His dual goals on the night not only solidified the team's win but also served to elevate his status within the rich narrative of Mexican football history. As Mexico heads to the final match of the Concacaf Nations League, anticipation builds not just for the title but also for Jiménez's continued ascent on the scoreboards, where every goal earned could carve his name deeper into the annals of Mexico's sport.
Moving forward, the striker's consistent performance can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Mexican national team navigates through its toughest challenges. Jiménez remains optimistic, affirming, “I'm just looking to help the team and keep registering more goals. I believe in our collective strength and potential.”
