AC Milan Star Willing To ‘Kill’ USMNT Captain Christian Pulisic At 2026 World Cup

Santiago Gimenez has explained his rivalry with AC Milan teammate Christian Pulisic, as the Mexican revealed he needs to ‘kill’ the USMNT star at the 2026 World Cup.

AC Milan Star Willing To ‘Kill’ Christian Pulisic

Gimenez has not sat on the fence over his feelings towards Christian Pulisic, as the AC Milan teammates set the seeds for the 2026 World Cup.

The Mexican international moved to Milan during the 2025 January transfer window after an impressive spell with Feyenoord, but has failed to meet expectations in Italy.

Scoring just seven goals in 30 appearances, Gimenez’s position in the Rossoneri starting eleven has taken a major hit – but the same cannot be said for Christian Pulisic.

The USMNT star has become one of Milan’s most valuable players, registering 29 goal involvements last season (17G + 12A) and adding another 12 in the current campaign (10G + 2A).

Despite some major board changes at AC Milan, Massimiliano Allegri is still prioritizing a new deal for Pulisic which could see the American become the highest paid player at the club.

Pulisic’s importance on the field appears to have transferred into the changing room, as Gimenez revealed how the USMNT star is one of his best friends.

Although the two have formed a strong relationship in Milan, Gimenez is ready to battle his teammate at the 2026 World Cup and the Mexican will ‘kill’ Pulisic if the two host nations face-off.

Gimenez said (Via ESPN): “If we play a game for our countries, we are enemies, we are rivals. But in the dressing room, he’s one of my best friends. We are always together, and I hope, if he’s not playing against Mexico, that he does well. But if he’s playing against Mexico, of course if I need to kill him, I kill him!

“But he was a really good friend in this difficult moment of injury rehab. So, he’s a nice teammate, a nice friend, but in the end, if he puts on the shirt of the USA, he’s a rival.”

Gimenez will need to build up some momentum ahead of this summer’s tournament after dealing with a lengthy absence on the sidelines.

Santiago Gimenez Injury Update

The Mexican striker has been out of action since October as Gimenez required surgery on a persistent ankle problem.

Allegri has called upon the likes of Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku in Gimenez’s absence and the Rossoneri have not lost in Serie A since the opening day of the season.

Although Gimenez is still unavailable, Milan are still considering the option of selling Nkunku and this could play a huge role in the Mexican’s future.

Gimenez has made a strong recovery and could make a return in a ‘few weeks’ despite being ruled out until April in the aftermath of his surgery.

Gimenez said: “I needed to stop, but now I just want to see the present and the future, and not to live the past, so I’m motivated that I’m doing a good recovery, and I hope that, in a few weeks, I can play again.”

Allegri’s side have some favorable fixtures coming up, as the Rossoneri face Bologna (A), Pisa (A), Parma (H) and Cremonese (A), before a huge derby day clash against Inter on March 8th – which could see a return for Gimenez.