In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Copa America, Mexico’s national football team has announced that goalkeeper Luis Malagon will miss the tournament due to a muscular injury. The injury is expected to sideline him for up to four weeks, preventing his participation in one of the most anticipated football events, watched keenly by fans worldwide, including those in Asia.
Mexico’s manager, Jaime Lozano, confirmed the news on Friday. “I can confirm the news regarding Angel Malagon,” Lozano stated. “Unfortunately, he’s been injured and had to return to his club. There won’t be enough time for him to recover and take part in the Copa America. We have already spoken to Carlos Acevedo, who will take Malagon’s place for the Copa America.”
Carlos Acevedo steps in as Malagon’s replacement, bringing fresh talent to the squad. However, both Malagon and Acevedo have had limited appearances for the national team. The team’s other goalkeepers, Julio Gonzalez and Raul Rangel, were uncapped prior to June, highlighting a period of transition for Mexico’s goalkeeping lineup. Rangel made his debut in a recent match that resulted in a 4-0 loss to Uruguay.
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who has an impressive record of 150 caps—the third-most in Mexico’s history—was excluded from the roster, along with notable players Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez. Their absence signals a strategic shift as the team prepares for future competitions.
Duilo Davino, Mexico’s sporting director, discussed the team’s forward-looking approach. “We are two years away from our World Cup,” Davino explained. “We have our spot secured, and we want to take advantage of this great opportunity to not think about the immediacy of the result and project our path to 2026.”
The Copa America is set to commence on June 20 and will run until July 14 in the United States. Mexico has been drawn into Group B, where they will face Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica. Football enthusiasts across Asia will be watching closely as teams vie for the prestigious title. Mexico aims to build on their past performances, having reached the quarterfinals in their last appearance in 2016 and finishing as runners-up in 1993 and 2001.
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Mexico's goalkeeper Luis Malagon to miss Copa America with injury
cgtn.com
