Russia did all they could in Kazan against Mexico but their best was not enough as the hosts were eliminated from the Confederations Cup after losing 2-1 to the visitors.
They needed at least a win to move to the semifinals, which saw them giving their best and taking the lead with a goal by Alexander Samedov in the first half.
However, the tactical Mexico side equalized with Néstor Araujo in the same first half and got the leading goal early in the second half through Hirving Lozano following the mistake from the Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Russia got many opportunities in the match, but poor finishing did not see them utilize it.
Several players missed clear opportunities throughout the match played in front of 41,585 people at Kazan Arena. The host players gathered in the middle of the pitch to hail the fans after the final whistle was blown as the crowd continued to applaud them.
The first goal of the match came in the 25th minute after the striker Fedor Smolov struck reached the goalkeeper with a rocketed shot and Yury Zhirkov had his shot saved by Guillermo Ochoa.
Russia maintained the possession and sent the ball back into the area, where Aleksandr Erokhin missed a chance before Samedov took up his pass and sent a low shot into the far corner.
Russia was among the lowest-ranked teams in the eight-nation competition among continental champions plus the World Cup winners and the host nation.
Advancing from the group with Portugal, and the Gold Cup winners, Mexico, was seen as the team to watch.
However, the opening win against New Zealand made it seem as though Russia were in the position to make it to the semi-finals despite a defeat to Portugal in the second match.