Chucky Lozano uses Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup success as inspiration for a return with Mexico
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano completed his transfer to the LA Galaxy seeking the consistent minutes he was unable to secure at San Diego FC, aiming to relaunch his career on the international stage. Looking for a blueprint to return to the Mexico national team, Lozano cited Lionel Messi‘s success during the 2026 World Cup while competing in MLS as a primary source of inspiration.
Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, critics questioned his physical conditioning and competitive edge playing outside the European spotlight. However, the forward defied expectations by delivering a standout performance at 39 years old following his preparation in MLS.
Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference, Lozano was asked by Bolavip‘s Martin O’Donnell about a potential return to the Mexico squad after witnessing Messi’s longevity: “Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot.”
The forward made his intentions clear that earning a spot back with El Tri remains a primary goal at his new club. “Of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico. If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no (to Mexico). But well, this is a process,” Lozano added.
Lack of match fitness cost Lozano a World Cup roster spot
While injuries proved to be an obstacle in recent years, Lozano earned a recall to the Mexico national team in late 2025 while featuring for San Diego FC. However, internal friction with former head coach Mikey Varas and club executives left the forward sidelined, training individually throughout 2026 without making a single competitive appearance.
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Lozano’s last appearance for San Diego FC came during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, and going months without game action led head coach Javier Aguirre to exclude him from Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. Now settled with the Galaxy, Lozano expects regular playing time to revive his international candidacy.
“Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not. I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell,” he added, noting that final squad selection rests with team management.
Extended fall window presents immediate opportunity for El Tri comeback
Lozano joined the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player on loan through December 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent. During that stretch, he will have an immediate platform to prove his form to Mexico’s new manager, legendary defender Rafael Marquez.
El Tri‘s upcoming fixture list and Marquez’s touchline debut will take place during an expanded international window between September and October. Playing across a four-game tour in the United States, Mexico are scheduled to face Colombia (Sept. 26), Peru (Sept. 29), the USMNT (Oct. 3), and Chile (Oct. 6).
Amid a demanding schedule with minimal recovery time between matches, the autumn fixtures offer a natural environment for Lozano to regain match sharpness and rejoin the national team setup. His last appearance for El Tri came in November 2025 during a friendly against Uruguay, where he played the opening 45 minutes before exiting with an injury.
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