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GettySantiago Gimenez has scored 19 goals in all competitions for the 2024-25 season.
Jiménez has scored 35 goals in 109 appearances for El Tri, while Giménez has scored four goals in 32 matches.
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AFPSantiago Giménez is embracing the competition for a starting striker spot in Mexico's semifinal clash with Canada.
Manager Javier Aguirre has not revealed whether he will start Giménez or Raúl Jiménez in the Final Four showdown. The coach hinted that both players could fit into the same system - but will Aguirre adjust his approach and start both forwards?
Giménez, who features for AC Milan, spoke about the competitive rivalry he shares with the Fulham forward.
"No pressure, on the contrary, it makes me enjoy it. The competition makes you perform at a higher level. Obviously, we want to contribute to the national team, and what better than having several forwards in great form? I think that’s essential because we all want to play, and we all want to be in the starting XI, but in the end, it’s the coach's decision, and all we can do is work. After that, the decision is up to the coach," Giménez said.
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GettyThe decision on who should start at forward is raising plenty of debate in Mexico, which will continue until lineups are revealed. Then El Tri fans will see if one or both will start in the XI sent out by Javier Aguirre. Jiménez is currently in better form than Giménez, who is on a six-match scoring drought with AC Milan.
Getty"I take it very well; in the end, the competition is always good. I've always said it, and I will support him. Even when you saw Messi and Cristiano, one would score two goals on Saturday, and the other would score three the next day. That’s the healthy competition that should exist. I admire Raúl as a forward and as a reference because I've been following him since I was a kid," Gimenez said.
GettyMexico will face Canada this Thursday for a spot in the Nations League Final. El Tri comes into the match with a negative streak of three games without defeating the North American rivals. Before this poor run, Mexico had five consecutive victories over the Reds.