Prior to the major match at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Christian Pulisic, one of the most notable absentees from the USMNT vs Mexico Gold Cup final, sent a heartfelt message to Diego Luna and company. On his Instagram story, the AC Milan winger posted a message saying, "Let's get it, boys."

This follows Chris Richards, a defender, giving the USMNT the lead in the fourth minute of the game. But right before the half-hour mark, Mexican striker Raul Jimenez responded with an equalizer. When this story was being written, the score was tied at 1-1.

The reason why Christian Pulisic isn't competing for the USMNT against Mexico in the Gold Cup final.

After a tough two years in Europe, Pulisic chose to prioritize rest and recuperation, thus he is not participating in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico at NRG Stadium.

After logging nearly 120 games and more than 3,500 minutes for AC Milan and the USMNT during two seasons, the 26-year-old decided to sit out the Gold Cup in order to recuperate.

“Towards the end of the season, my body began speaking to me…” he told CBS Sports' Golazo America. I had to choose the best course of action for both myself and the team, taking into account the ongoing little injuries and the necessity to get ready for the 2026 World Cup and the 2025–26 Serie A season.

Prior to the Gold Cup, Pulisic asked to participate in friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland, but Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT coach, turned him down in favor of maintaining the roster.

"Players cannot dictate the plan," said Pochettino. I'm the head coach, not a dummy.

Pulisic's dedication was questioned in response to the choice by USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. "It's way out of line to question my commitment to the national team," the winger replied.

Consequences for the American national team

Diego Luna stepped up in the absence of Pulisic, scoring a brace in the 2-1 semifinal victory over Guatemala. Other absences include Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna and Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest, leaving Tim Ream as captain.

Gold Cup Awards: The victor (either the United States or Mexico) earns $1 million, while the runner-up receives $500,000.

Read Also: Gold Cup 2025: Champion, Runner-Up Payouts for USA, Mexico

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