Asked by Bolavip what facing Lozano would’ve meant for him—as “Tonio” Rodriguez and “Chucky” have been teammates before—the Xolos’ netminder sent his fellow countryman a special message. Moreover, he spoke about what a pity it was that Mora and Lozano couldn’t have starred in a Mexican present-vs.-future showdown.

“With [Lozano], I had the opportunity to play alongside him with the national team, so I know him well. He is a tremendous player, with great talent and quality. Of course, for the fans, it would have been a dream to see,” Rodriguez said in response to Bolavip during a press conference on Saturday.

“(…) a player who gave so many people hope, go up against this new star who is emerging in [Mora]. It would have been a match between the past and the present, or the present and the future. But, well, it didn’t happen that way.”

Rodriguez speaks on Lozano’s fresh start

Though watching from the other side of the border, Rodriguez shared San Diego FC’s Mikey Varas and Alejandro Alvarado’s happiness about Lozano getting to play “somewhere he can be himself.” The 34-year-old goalkeeper sent his former teammate a sincere message of joy.

“At the end of the day, I’m happy that ‘Chucky’ has an opportunity to play and that a place has been found for him. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing for soccer players is to be on the field,” Rodriguez stated.

“I’m happy that his situation has been resolved, and I wish him the greatest success because I know he will do very well. It would have been nice to have that matchup. The fans would have loved it, but it didn’t happen.”

Rodriguez dreams of national team call-up

During the press conference, Rodriguez was asked whether he still aimed to be called up to Mexico’s national team, even at 34, and the veteran netminder made his stance clear. As long as he is playing professional soccer, representing his home country will always be the goal. Certainly, it’s something for national team head coach Rafa Marquez to keep an eye on.

“[Lozano] was always a good teammate. Obviously, we are happy for him that he found somewhere he could keep playing,” Alejandro Alvarado said in response to Bolavip during Saturday’s press conference. “We are excited for him, we send him our well wishes, and we’re happy that he found somewhere he can play and just be himself.”

After appearing in more than 30 games for San Diego FC in 2025, scoring 11 goals and adding another eight assists, Lozano lost ground on the roster and hasn’t played at all during the 2026 season. Not in MLS nor the Leagues Cup. Clearly, his days in “America’s Finest City” were numbered. After much speculation, he was sent to the LA Galaxy on loan.

Mikey Varas opens up on Lozano’s loan

Because he was rarely used by Varas and his staff, Lozano’s exit from San Diego may have little impact on the squad, and Varas made that clear. When asked by Bolavip about Lozano’s loan deal, Varas sent a clear message.

“I’m happy that there’s a solution for the club and for [Lozano]. I’ve always said that he could continue his career,” Varas told Bolavip during Saturday’s Leagues Cup pre-match press conference.

“And his departure doesn’t affect the group at all because we’ve done all of this season according to our plan, and we’re ready. The most important thing now is to focus on this game, go out there and win in front of our fans.”

Potential Lozano-San Diego reunion

As Lozano vies to make the most of his new opportunity in Los Angeles, he already knows when he could meet with his former head coach, teammates, and club during the 2026 MLS campaign.

San Diego FC will host the LA Galaxy on Aug. 29. It remains to be seen whether Lozano will earn a starting role in the City of Angels, but it’s clear he will have his potential return to Snapdragon Stadium circled in red on his calendar.

The Mexican winger struggled to maintain regular competitive action in the months leading up to the tournament. His situation with San Diego FC reportedly contributed to a prolonged absence from first-team action, making it difficult for him to build the form and match fitness required to earn a place in Mexico’s World Cup squad.

Lozano’s exclusion became increasingly likely after he was omitted from the preliminary player pool considered by Aguirre and his coaching staff. With Mexico preparing to host matches during the tournament, the national team prioritized players who had been competing consistently throughout the season. It’s pretty much why Chicharito Hernandez is also missing the 2026 World Cup.

Chucky Lozano’s impact with Mexico

Despite missing the 2026 World Cup, Lozano remains one of the most important Mexican players of his generation. Since making his senior debut in 2016, he has scored 18 goals in 75 appearances for El Tri and played a key role in several major international competitions.

His most memorable moment came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia when he scored the winning goal in Mexico’s historic 1-0 victory over Germany during the group stage. That performance elevated his profile internationally and helped establish him as one of Mexico’s most dangerous attacking players.

Why did Mexico leave Lozano off the roster?

The primary factor behind Lozano’s absence was his lack of consistent playing time before the World Cup. International managers typically prefer players arriving in strong competitive rhythm, and Lozano was unable to maintain that continuity in the months leading up to the tournament.

At the same time, Aguirre has focused on building a squad around players who have been regularly contributing at club level. With several younger attacking options emerging, competition for roster spots became increasingly intense.

While Lozano’s World Cup omission marks a disappointing chapter in his international career, his contributions to Mexican soccer remain significant. His goal against Germany and his years of service with El Tri ensure that he will continue to be remembered as one of the standout figures of his generation.

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.