Pochettino Slams Referee After USMNT’s Gold Cup Final Loss to Mexico

U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly criticized referee Mario Escobar following his side’s 2-1 loss to Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup final.

The U.S. had taken an early lead through Chris Richards’ header in the 4th minute, but two controversial officiating decisions left Pochettino frustrated. Most notably, he was incensed by a missed handball call in the 66th minute when Mexican defender Jorge Sánchez appeared to handle the ball inside the box while slipping.

Television replays showed Sánchez’s hand clearly making contact with the ball, but no penalty was awarded — either during play or after review. Pochettino insisted that if the incident had occurred at the other end, a penalty would have been given in Mexico’s favor.

“It’s not about crying or complaining,” he said post-match. “But let’s be honest — if that had happened in our box, it’s a penalty. (Sánchez) pushed the hand over the ball. It wasn’t accidental. That’s the truth.”

Adding to his frustration was Mexico’s eventual winner, scored by Edson Álvarez in the 77th minute, which was initially flagged for offside but later allowed after a review.

“If that penalty had been given, maybe it’s 2-1 for us and we’d be lifting the trophy,” Pochettino lamented. “It’s embarrassing to witness such decisions — it’s a shame.”