USMNT wanted to 'send a message' with Pulisic's celebration

Christian Pulisic wore a special shirt under his jersey that sent a special message. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

USMNT wanted to 'send a message' with Christian Pulisic's 'mirror' celebration

By Adam Stites | Last updated 11/13/21

The United States Men's National Team took a huge step toward securing a spot in the 2022 World Cup with a crucial 2-0 win over Mexico in a qualifier Friday night.

Christian Pulisic provided the first goal of the game with a header in the 74th minute, and he took a subtle dig at Mexico during his celebration. Pulisic pulled up jersey to reveal a shirt underneath that read "MAN IN THE MIRROR." The shirt was a clapback at Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who said "Mexico is the mirror in which the [U.S.] wants to see itself and wants to copy" in a TUDN interview.

if you wanna make the world a better place,
take a look at yourself then make the change... pic.twitter.com/ST7fa1e3hr
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) November 13, 2021

After the game, Pulisic declined to speak much about the shirt.

"I think you guys know the message," Pulisic said, via ESPN. "I don't want to speak on it too much, it's not a big thing, not trying to cause controversy."

His teammate, Timothy Weah, took credit for the shirt and said he and DeAndre Yedlin came up with the idea.

"Just to send a message,'' Weah said, via ESPN. "Before the game, Mexico was talking a lot of smack. To shut them up, we have to continue to win games, continue to beat them. That's the only way we're going to earn their respect and get the world's respect.''

The win moved the United States into a tie for first with Mexico in the qualifying standings with the U.S. owning the goal-differential tiebreaker. The top three teams at the end of the draw in March will automatically qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

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