The result was only the second time the U.S have earned a point from a qualifier at the Azteca and the gutsy display with an injury-hit squad took the U.S to four points from their three games.
Panama top the standings on five points from three games with Costa Rica second in the table, ahead of the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached U.S on goal difference.
For Klinsmann, whose team have responded to media criticism of their coach with four points from the two March qualifiers, including Friday's victory in snowy Denver over Costa Rica, the result showed his team possesses plenty of character.
"We wanted to give it a shot to win the game but we are pleased. Mexico gave everything they had, they put us under a lot of pressure," the former Germany striker and coach told reporters.
"The way our team was organised, was connected and committed was unbelievable, it was a great team effort and they deserve a huge compliment," he added.
"The leading team has five points, we have three and there are 21 points left to play for," he said.
"This is not what we had budgeted for, but the group is far from over and now we have to push the pace."
"We are not going to blame the refereeing," De La Torre added. "We are responsible for our results".
The home side began brightly and clearly targeted stand-in left back DaMarcus Beasley with right-winger Aquino being joined by Giovani dos Santos on the flank to cause early trouble for Klinsmann's side.
Dos Santos's volley in the 20th minute straight at U.S keeper Brad Guzan was, however, the only real threat on goal that Mexico produced from their early pressure.
Mexico began the second half brightly again with Aquino's cross-shot clipping the top of the bar and this time their early promise was turned into sustained pressure.
