In a dramatic showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Mexico and Costa Rica played out a tense 0-0 draw that ended in controversy — and heartbreak for Santiago Giménez.
The AC Milan striker seemed to have sealed a thrilling late victory for Mexico with a stunning last-minute bicycle kick, only to see his masterpiece ruled out after a VAR review.
The match had been brimming with chances from both sides, with Costa Rica’s legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas delivering a vintage performance to keep Mexico at bay.
Keylor Navas is a brick wall out there pic.twitter.com/oa6NWfDXRm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2025
But just as the clock neared full time, a deflected set-piece cross fell kindly to Giménez, who launched into an acrobatic overhead kick, blasting the ball past Navas to send the stadium into frenzy.
SANTI'S INCREDIBLE SCISSOR KICK IS RULED OFFSIDE!
NO GOAL FOR MEXICO! pic.twitter.com/NMsXCS9hGD— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2025
This was ruled offside...
A look at the VAR check which disallowed Santiago Gimenez's goal for Mexico pic.twitter.com/PPb2V5J4Ff— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2025
Celebrations erupted among Mexican players and fans alike — but they were short-lived.
VAR intervened, and after several tense minutes, the referee ruled the goal out for offside.
The decision sparked immediate debate, with many on social media questioning whether Giménez had truly gained an advantage or interfered with the play.
Replays appeared to show minimal involvement from any offside position before the clearance attempt, leaving fans and pundits divided. Even USMNT legend, Landon Donovan, chimmed in.
"I've scored a lot of goals, I've never scored a goal like that... Why are we taking goals away from people?"@landondonovan shares his thoughts on Santiago Gimenez's goal for Mexico which was disallowed after VAR. pic.twitter.com/SYx8ffubUo
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2025
Game is gone how tf do you cancel such a beauty. The pass wasn’t intended to him ffs
— makavelidadon (@makavelidahdon) June 23, 2025
Terrible decision by the ref, completely different play when the defender intentionally hit the ball
— samuel ツ (@samuelsRLburner) June 23, 2025
There's no way, FIFA has to overturn this and give mexico the goal
— 630 Sports (@630_sports) June 23, 2025
Despite the disallowed goal, Mexico finish top of their group and will face Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Costa Rica, with the point earned, advance as second place and are set to meet the United States in what promises to be a high-stakes knockout clash.
