Mexico has struggled to fill the striker spot, but Raul Jimenez's reemergence gave Mexico new hope Tuesday night.

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — It was hard to pinpoint the moment when it happened, but everyone in the stadium realized it: Raul Jimenez was feeling very, very confident.

The signs were all over. It started with the Mexico forward's astounding free kick goal in the 22nd, which he guided in from a range far beyond his usual preferred place at the penalty spot. That followed in the 37th minute when he tried an ambitious scissor kick on the end of a corner. Seconds later he was aggressive again when he had the ball at his feet and tried a curler from outside the box.

The defining moment might have come in the 49th minute, as he barreled down on U.S. center back Tim Ream, losing the ball but sliding to win it back and sending it to Cesar “Chino” Huerta for a second goal.

All of it pointed to the reality that Raul was feeling himself Tuesday night, and he lifted El Tri to a 2-0 win over the rival United States that has delivered something Mexico hasn’t felt for a long time: Excitement.

Jimenez's Mexico teammates fed off the vibe after the win, one sparked by the veteran forward.

“It’s a joy. Honestly, the fans deserve it. We didn’t have good results, didn’t get a good result in the last game [against Valencia] but the team had a good performance today,” defender Jesus Angulo said after.

While the U.S. also slumped through the Copa América and exited the tournament early, the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino and a 2-0 win over Panama earlier in October allowed American fans to dream that a positive change is on the way. Mexico, on the other hand, appointed Javier Aguirre, an old reliable but one who already has failed - twice - to get El Tri to the heights it wants to reach at the World Cup.

The challenges 2026 World Cup hosts face in finding quality opponents in these international breaks meant the national team played a club team, drawing Valencia in a flat performance in Puebla.

The last time Mexico fans felt truly energized by their national team was in the summer of 2023. Even that felt unsustainable. Jaime Lozano had been named head coach of the national team and won the Gold Cup as the interim manager, bringing good vibes as a young Mexican coach led El Tri to success after successive frustrations under Argentine managers.

Now, after beating their biggest rival comprehensively in a nearly full Estadio Akron, the rancor fans had toward the national team may be starting to dissipate.

“It’s important to be in a good spot with the fans,” goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon said. “I’ve always said I respect the supporters a lot, and I want to thank them because we felt that good vibe again. I think that helps you get the best out of yourself."

How Raul changes things

Having a player like Raul leading the line is a huge help. While Mexico fans have wanted to believe in Santiago Gimenez as the next great Mexico forward, he hasn’t been able to produce goals for Mexico. Jimenez, in becoming the first player since Miguel Layun in 2016 to score and assist in the same game against the U.S., delivered more production in an hour than some of the younger players have in the entire Copa America.

At age 33, Raul’s return to the national team was hardly guaranteed. But an injury to Gimenez combined with the veteran re-emerging with Fulham, scoring three Premier League goals in September, meant it was the perfect time not only for him to put the national team shirt back on but also to give the squad a jolt.

“Since Raul came back, he came back really well. He’s had goals and assists. He looks mature and is in good form. He’s totally past his injury,” Aguirre said. “I think he’s a reference for other players and is very important for us.”

Looking ahead

The hope is that Raul will once again be back in November to lead the line. Last year, Mexico ended up with the same matchup, facing Honduras in the two-leg Nations League quarterfinals. After a 2-0 loss against Los Catrachos away, Mexico needed a stoppage-time equalizer from Edson Alvarez at home to send the series to penalties. Mexico made the Nations League Final Four by winning the shootout.

El Tri can't afford a repeat showing, especially with the newfound enthusiasm Raul's reemergence has brought following Tuesday's win.

Aguirre has spoken often about reestablishing a strong connection with a frustrated fan base. A win over the United States in a friendly won’t undo years of frustration, which will need to be mended over time.

But wins like this, strong showings against Honduras in this year's matchup, and ultimately lifting trophies is the way to keep fans actually on the edge of their seat. To have them once again anticipate having fun while watching the team they love.

WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO?

Mexico has drawn Honduras in the Nations League two-leg quarterfinals. The first match is in Honduras on Nov. 14 while the home leg for El Tri is on Nov. 18.