Veterans of the international stage, Mexico have regularly counted on Lozano’s contributions—he’s logged 70 caps with 18 goals and 12 assists. Lozano also made headlines in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he scored the decisive goal in Mexico’s famous upset over Germany in the group stage.

After a spell of inconsistent form and several months without a national team call-up—including missing the 2024 Copa America—Lozano earned his way back into the conversation with strong performances in Major League Soccer. He was named to Mexico’s 60-man preliminary list for the 2025 Gold Cup, but ultimately did not make the final roster.

Why is Hirving Lozano not playing the 2025 Gold Cup?

Hirving Lozano will not be part of México’s squad for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup after suffering a left hamstring injury during San Diego FC’s 2–0 victory over Austin FC in MLS play.

“He felt something,” San Diego head coach Mikey Varas said after the match. “He never wants to step out of anything. I feel for the guy because he’s gaining such rhythm right now. Hopefully, it’s not as big a setback as last time”.

After Lozano made some medical studies, Mexico’s national team confirmed the news: “San Diego FC reported and sent tests showing that Hirving Lozano has a left hamstring injury that prevents him from traveling to join the rest of the squad”.

A frustrating Gold Cup history for Lozano

Despite representing Mexico at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, Lozano has only logged 18 minutes of game time in the Concacaf Gold Cup across his career.

He missed the 2019 tournament due to a knee injury suffered while playing with PSV. In 2021, he started México’s opening match against Trinidad and Tobago but was forced off after 18 minutes due to a serious collision with the opposing goalkeeper, ending his tournament early.

In 2023, just as it seemed he might make a full Gold Cup run, another knee injury—this time while with Napoli—kept him out of the championship squad that defeated Panama in the final. Now, in 2025, another setback has once again prevented “Chucky” from suiting up for his country.

This year, they are the favorites to advance from Group B along with Ecuador. The other two teams in the group are Venezuela and Jamaica, with the latter being the Tricolor’s first opponent.

The coach Jaime Lozano has already announced the complete squad list, and the big surprise is that key player Hirving Lozano is not included. More than one will wonder why he is out of the squad.

Hirving Lozano out of Copa America 2024

The reason why Hirving Lozano will not be in this Copa América 2024 is because the coach preferred to call more young players, thinking about future replacements.

Hirving Lozano had been a key player in the Russia 2018 World Cup, where he scored the goal against Germany that led Mexico to the knockout stage and Germany to be eliminated from the tournament.

The former PSV player claimed that he did not expect to be left out of the team in this tournament: “The truth is that I did not expect it, I thought I could go. It’s the coach’s decision, I have always said that I respect it, there is no problem. At the time it was painful”.

Mexico squad for Copa America 2024

Goalkeepers: Angel Malagon (America), Jose Raul Rangel (Chivas) and Julio Gonzalez (Pumas).

Defenders: Israel Reyes (America), Jorge Sanchez (Porto), Brian Garcia (Toluca), Cesar Montes (Almeria), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Orozco (Chivas), Gerardo Arteaga (Monterrey) and Bryan Gonzalez (Pachuca).

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Luis Romo (Monterrey), Erick Sanchez (Pachuca), Orbelin Pineda (AEK), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow) and Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul).

Strikers: Marcelo Flores (Tigres), Cesar Huerta (Pumas), Julian Quiñones (America), Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas) and Diego Lainez (Tigres).

San Diego FC, the league’s 30th team, wants to make a major splash in their first season of MLS play, and Hirving Lozano will be the face of the franchise. Lozano comes to MLS by way of PSV, where the Mexican international had a lukewarm season.

Now, in an interview with ESPN, “Chucky” spoke about the differences and similarities between Major League Soccer and Liga MX.

Hirving Lozano on Liga MX vs MLS debate

In the interview, Lozano mentioned, “I think they are at the same level, but MLS is growing better and will be better than Liga MX… MLS has grown a lot and I wanted to be part of that process.”

Lozano, despite being one of Mexican soccer’s best exports in recent memory, was not chosen to play for the national team in this summer’s upcoming Copa America. The decision to leave him and a few other veteran players off the list is a “generational shift” imposed by the Mexican federation.

Lozano’s move to MLS and not being called up by El Tri for Copa America were both not viewed favorably by the Mexican press and pundits.

San Diego FC is slated to play in MLS as of the 2025 season and will be the 30th team in the league, although rumors indicate that they won’t be the last. San Diego FC is looking to make a big splash in the community, and Chucky Lozano will be a big part of that.

Lozano’s move to MLS will involve a transfer fee rumored to be in the $10 million range, as well as signing a lucrative contract with the club. The deal is reported to be for four years.

What is Hirving Lozano’s rumored MLS salary?

According to AS, Hirving Lozano’s MLS salary is reported to be in the range of $7-9 million. Lozano would almost automatically become the third-highest-paid player in the league if he makes in the $9 million range.

Lozano would be yet another high-priced Mexican import in a long line of name Mexican players who have usually flopped in MLS. Carlos Vela, Jorge Campos, and Cuauhtémoc Blanco stand out as the best imports from Mexico in MLS history.

Some of the flops include Rafa Marquez, Javier Hernández, Nery Castillo, Luis Ángel Landín, and Giovani dos Santos.

For their first DP the club is looking to tap into San Diego’s big Mexican community and are gunning for none other than El Tri international Hirving Lozano. Lozano is currently at PSV after a successful spell at Napoli and according to Tom Bogert, the club are in “advanced” talks with the Mexican star.

Bogert reports that San Diego FC ownership group have been in talks with Lozano for a while and that the transfer fee would be in the $12 million range.

Hirving Lozano to San Diego FC?

Hirving Lozano is only 28 and has played for Napoli, PSV in two stints, and Pachuca winning titles in all three clubs and on the verge of another with PSV. Lozano is also one of the best players on the Mexican national team earning 70 caps and playing in two World Cups.

This season Lozano has 6 goals in 30 games for PSV and his current contract runs until 2028. At $12 million it’s a bargain signing for the MLS side, Lozano aside from his name value can play either on the left or right wing and is one of the best Mexican soccer players of his generation.

Mexican stars have been more miss than hit in MLS, but Carlos Vela, Jorge Campos, Hector Herrera, and Jonathan Dos Santos are major exceptions to the rule.

Bogert reports that Lozano is very keen on the deal and despite nearly having four years remaining on his PSV deal, the Netherland’s giant is asking for a price that is reasonable for all parties involved.

Major League Soccer has been home to many Mexican internationals of note, many of them have been some of the biggest flops in the history of the league. Be that as it may, MLS and its club will use that Mexican national team card when needing to boost sales and gain notoriety.

Fresh off of yet another dismal season, the Los Angeles Galaxy did not qualify for the post season and saw the end of the era of Chicharito Hernández, which was largely disappointing. Now the brass in LA want to make another push for one of Mexico’s biggest stars.

Hirving Lozano to MLS?

According to famed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Hirving Lozano is on the list for the LA Galaxy. Romano is reporting, “LA Galaxy are still keen on signing Hirving Lozano as part of their plans for 2024. Lozano was already in talks with LA Galaxy last summer, but he decided to return to PSV Eindhoven…but MLS option remains open for his future. Galaxy, still there.”

Lozano has a contract with PSV until 2028, but at 28, and with MLS’ history of over paying for Mexican internationals the carrot may be too good to pass up for PSV and Earnie Stewart.

Hirving Lozano this season

After leaving Napoli for a second stint at PSV, Hirving Lozano has 5 goals in 8 games for the Dutch giants in league play, and 0 in 4 games in the Champions League.

Hirving Lozano is currently with the Mexican national team as the team needs to come back from 2-0 down against Honduras to book a place in next year’s Copa America.

Mexican international Hirving Lozano is reportedly being shopped around by Napoli as the Serie A champions look to get a transfer fee for the Mexican winger. Lozano’s contract with the club ends in June of 2024 and the asking price is reportedly in the range of $17 million.

According to El10 in Mexico, Chivas have begun to inquire about signing the talented winger but all signs are pointing that Lozano may be keen on a move to Major League Soccer.

According to various sources LAFC are very interested in signing Lozano on a DP deal, the MLS champions has one DP slot open as the other two are for Carlos Vela and scoring sensation Denis Bouanga.

Chances of Chucky Lozano playing for LAFC?

At the moment there is really nothing concrete on the deal to bring Chucky Lozano to Major League Soccer. LAFC are making the proper inquiries and Napoli is keen to sell.

LAFC director of operations, Marco Garcés was asked by Ahora o Nunca about the Mexican talent, but Garcés pleaded “the fifth”. With Napoli open to the move and MLS teams trying to catch up to Inter Miami and their signing of Lionel Messi.

Chucky Lozano could be a huge shot in the arm for LAFC who sit second in the MLS West but have been flaky at times this season.

Following their recent loss to the USMNT in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, Mexico find themselves in a state of disarray. The team’s performance in their recent matches has only added to the concerns surrounding their ability to compete for the 2023 Gold Cup title.

To make matters worse, head coach Diego Cocca has been fired despite being appointed earlier this year. While Mexico’s underwhelming performances during his tenure may have played a role, off-field issues influenced the decision of his controversial exit.

As the rosters were confirmed, it was evident that several key players will be absent from various teams, and Hirving Lozano is undoubtedly one of the notable omissions. Unfortunately, the Napoli player will not have the opportunity to represent his country on this occasion.

Why isn’t Hirving Lozano playing for Mexico?

The roster was assembled by Cocca, despite the person in charge of the team interim coach is going to be Jaime Lozano. There are some big names absent, but the player that probably should be missed the most is the attacker from Napoli. Hirving Lozano isn’t playing for Mexico because he suffered a knee injury on May 7 that ruled him out of the competition.

Argentina are half defeated as the week has progressed in a somber mood and issues surrounding the health of Lionel Messi have risen. Nonetheless Argentina must lay it all on the line if they expect to get to the round of 16.

Mexico and Argentina have played some classics at the FIFA World Cup and Napoli forward Hirving Lozano knows that the game is a “great opportunity” and a big statement for Mexico if they get a win.

Hirving Lozano on Argentina match in Qatar 2022

Hirving Lozano stated to the press, “(Argentina) all play for big clubs, and I think they still have a responsibility to come out with everything. I love playing against the best. Messi is that for me. It is a special moment, seeing him face to face and playing against him is something very nice.”

On Mexico and Argentina’s rivalry at the World Cup: “The one I keep in mind the most is the one in 2010 in South Africa, it was a great match between the two. Unfortunately, Mexico was eliminated, but a great opportunity tomorrow and it is in us. Arabia’s result with Argentina was a very surprising result. I think it was more from Arabia. They played their game, and they planned it very well.”

On the Mexican side: “I think we have some great footballers, a lot of quality, we are preparing the game very well, we are up against a great rival. We always have hope and the opportunity to advance, and it only remains up to us. I think we’re on the right track, we have the opportunity tomorrow and the coach is going to tell us how to plan it well,” Lozano finished.

The current SSC Napoli striker was not included in the list of 38 players called up by Martino to face the five matches that make up the block of matches that El Tri will play in the summer. It is well known that except for some exceptions or special cases, those who were not included in this squad have little or no chance of playing in Qatar 2022.

In addition to the already celebrated match against Nigeria, in which Tata Martino opted to give an opportunity to young players looking to earn a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Mexico will face Uruguay, Ecuador, Suriname and Jamaica; the first two in friendly matches and the latter two in the CONCACAF Nations League.

The reason for Hirving Lozano’s absence from the Mexico National Team

It was February 2, 2022, one more of the complicated and exhausting days of the 2022 Concacaf World Cup 2022 Qualifiers and Mexico was hosting Panama at the Azteca Stadium. El Tri overcame the Central Americans 1-0, but the final score of the match was not entirely good due to the fact that Hirving Lozano went off injured in the 66th minute.

The action that left Lozano out was a collision with Panamanian defender Michael Murillo, in which he fell on his right shoulder. After this accident, Lozano returned to the field a month later with Napoli but at the end of the season he again complained of the same ailment.

So, with a new season in Italy on the horizon and, evidently, with the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in mind, Hirving Lozano decided to undergo surgery to properly fix his right shoulder, which is why he was not called up by Tata Martino for the friendly and preparatory matches for the World Cup in Mexico in the summer.

Although for many Mexican players, these matches are their last chance to qualify for Qatar 2022, Hirving Lozano is surely one of the names who, if healthy, will defend Mexico’s colors at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Mexico will face two types of matches in the last week of May and the first week of June. The first will be completely friendly and probably the most difficult of this block. Martino’s team’s opponents will be Nigeria, Uruguay and Ecuador.

Afterwards, El Tri must fulfill its obligations as a member of Concacaf and thus face the group stage of the Nations League, in which its opponents are not among the elite of world soccer but will surely play with full intensity and could complicate the matches in some way: Surinam and Jamaica.

The absencesin Tata Martino’s Mexico roster

Every National Team roster has an impossible mission to fulfill: to satisfy absolutely all opinions. Thus, there will always be players singled out for not having the level to be part of the team and other discarded players acclaimed to be included. The same old story.

Among the notable absences from Gerardo Tata Martino’s El Tri squad are four big-name players: Hirving Lozano of Italy’s Napoli, Carlos Rodriguez and Rogelio Funes Mori of Monterrey and Chicharito Hernandez of the LA Galaxy. Each has different contexts that have led to their absence.

In the case of the first two, Lozano and Rodriguez, injuries are the main impediment to Martino’s decision not to include them in the roster for the summer block of preparation matches. As for Chicharito, the possibility that he could return to El Tri to play in Qatar 2022 is increasingly diluted. At least as long as Tata is the head coach.

Mexico National Team’s biggest surprise for summer friendlies

Undoubtedly, the absence of Hirving Lozano created a vacancy in Mexico, and Martino chose Arsenal’s wonderkid Marcelo Flores, who will have the opportunity to live, for the first time, with the team’s top players such as Guillermo Ochoa, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado, Raul Jimenez and Tecatito Corona.

The 18-year-old recently announced on social media that he was giving up any chance of representing Canada or England at the senior international level to focus entirely on Mexico. His wishes came true and very soon he could even play his first official matches with El Tri, this in the Nations League against Suriname and Jamaica.

Mexico National Team’s complete roster for itssummer friendlies matches

Goalkeepers:Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera, Rodolfo Cota, Carlos Acevedo

Defenders:Erick Aguirre, Kevin Álvarez,Julián Araujo, Jorge Sánchez, Gerardo Arteaga, Jesús Gallardo, Julio César Domínguez,Jesús Angulo, Nestor Araujo,César Montes, Héctor Moreno, Israel Reyes, Johan Vásquez.

Midfielders:Edson Álvarez,Fernando Beltrán,Erik Lira,Erick Gutiérrez,Andrés Guardado, Héctor Herrera,Luis Chávez,Diego Lainez,Erick Sánchez, Orbelín Pineda, Rodolfo Pizarro,Sebastián Córdova,Luis Romo

Forwards:Jesús Corona, Marcelo Flores, Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez, Henry Martín, Alexis Vega,Roberto Alvarado, Uriel Antuna.