Ahead of Copa América, the big news out of the Mexico camp is that Hirving Lozano, Raúl Jiménez, and veteran Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa have all been dropped!
Jamie Lozano has chosen his 31-man roster for this summer’s Copa América, which kicks off on Thursday, June 20th, at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta with reigning champions Argentina.
El Trio has been included to a group that also consists of Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica. On Saturday, June 22, Lozano’s team plays its first game at NRG Stadium in Houston against the Reggae Boyz.
The fact that Ochoa, who will turn 39 this summer, will not be traveling with the team is the first big surprise in Lozano’s pick.
The great Mexican goalkeeper is the third-highest appearance maker for the Selección, having made his debut for the team in 2005 and appearing on 125 occasions overall.
For 19 years, Ochoa was the first choice of the national team. He even started in their most recent Nations League final loss to the United States in March.
We were wondering how much time he had left between the sticks after his performance in that final, and it looks like we know the answer.
“We spoke with ‘Memo,’ and I told him that the decision was made by me, but that does not mean that he is outside the process (for the 2026 World Cup),” – said Lozano during the following Press Conference, documented by the Los Angeles Times.
It’s unclear who Memo will take over for in light of the decision to fire him. Many would anticipate that Luis Malagón, Club América’s first pick, will take his position, just as he did when Memo was forced out due to injury during the Nations League quarterfinal match against Honduras.
He will, however, have fierce competition for the job because Julio González of Pumas has had a strong season, recording seven clean sheets in 17 games.
Raúl Rangel of Chivas, who has been instrumental in getting the team to the Liga MX Clausura semi-final, is also a contender.
Mexico Copa America 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers: Luis Malagon, Julio Gonzalez, Raul Rangel
Defenders: Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Gerardo Arteaga, Johan Vasquez, Israel Reyes, Victor Guzman, Jesus Orozco, Brian Garcia, Bryan Gonzalez , Alexis Pena
Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Orbelin Pineda, Uriel Antuna, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Romo, Roberto Alvarado, Luis Chavez, Erick Sanchez, Diego Lainez, Fernando Beltran (Guadalajara), Marcelo Flores, Jordan Carillo, Andreas Mantano
Forwards: Alexis Vega, Santiago Gimenez, Cesar Huerta, Julian Quinones, Guillermo Martínez
