Mexico's national team is facing a goalkeeper shuffle just before the Copa America kicks off! 🧤🇲🇽 Luis Malagon, the talented goalie who was set to defend the net for \"El Tricolor,\" is out due to a muscular injury. Ouch! 🤕 The injury will sideline him for up to four weeks, meaning he'll miss the entire tournament.
Stepping up to the challenge is Carlos Acevedo! 🎉 The news was confirmed by Mexico's manager, Jaime Lozano, on Friday. \"I can confirm the news regarding Luis Malagon,\" Lozano said. \"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've already spoken to Carlos Acevedo, who will take Malagon's place for the Copa America.\"
Neither Malagon nor Acevedo has made many appearances for Mexico, so it's a big opportunity for Acevedo to shine on the international stage! ✨ The team's other two goalkeepers, Julio Gonzalez and Raul Rangel, were both uncapped before June. Rangel started in their 4-0 loss to Uruguay earlier this week, so it's definitely time for someone to step up!
Surprisingly, Mexico's legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who has 150 caps (that's the third-most in national team history!), was left off the roster this time around, along with stars Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez. Talk about a changing of the guard! 🚪🔄
Mexico's sporting director, Duilio Davino, explained the decision: \"We are two years away from our World Cup. 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.\"
So, it's all about building for the future! 🌟 With Copa America starting on June 20 and wrapping up on July 14 in the U.S., Mexico is placed in Group B alongside Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica. Tough competition ahead! ⚽️🔥
The last time Mexico competed in Copa America was in 2016, making it to the quarterfinals. They were runners-up in 1993 and 2001. Could this be their year to make history? 🏆 Only time will tell! Stay tuned, amigos! 😉
Reference(s):
Mexico's goalkeeper Luis Malagon to miss Copa America with injury
cgtn.com
