Entering this Gold Cup having lost four consecutive matches for the first time in nearly two decades, the USMNT reeled off five straight wins to reach Sunday’s final. More importantly, they showed resilience, character and pride — qualities that have been missing all too often since the 2022 World Cup.

A number of questionable decisions went against the United States men's national team during Sunday's 2-1 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, including what appeared to be a handball by Mexican defender Jorge Sánchez that wasn't called.

There were plenty of difficult lessons for the USMNT in the Gold Cup final loss to Mexico on Sunday. How Mauricio Pochettino & Co. respond will be telling.