'MLS can help me return to the Mexican national team,' – Hirving Lozano believes move to San Diego FC will boost his El Tri chances

Lozano has been out of the Mexican national neam for more than a year

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• “I feel like I’m getting closer to my best version," Lozano said

• San Diego FC face Real Salt Lake City Saturday
• Lozano has four assists and a goal in five games

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  It’s been more than a year since Hirving "Chucky" Lozano last wore the green jersey of the Mexican national team. A run of injuries kept him sidelined from several call-ups – including major tournaments – but now, the winger is looking to reset in MLS.

  Now with San Diego FC, Lozano views this new chapter in the United States as a key opportunity to relaunch his international career. He’s gradually finding his rhythm and believes strong performances at club level could put him back on Mexico manager Javier Aguirre’s radar.

  “I feel like I’m getting closer to my best version. I train hard every day, and I know what I can bring to both my team and the national squad. That gives me peace of mind – it’s all about keeping up the work,” Lozano told reporters.

  The 28-year-old has made six appearances in the 2025 MLS season, tallying one goal and three assists. San Diego currently sits sixth in the Western Conference with 14 points and faces Real Salt Lake this weekend on Matchday 10.

  Lozano remains confident MLS can provide the platform he needs to rediscover top form:

  “MLS can help me return to the Mexican national team. The league gives me everything I need to keep growing. That’s what I’m aiming for – it’s a process, but I’m focused," he said.

  Missing out on the 2024 Copa América and the Nations League Finals still stings for Lozano.

  “That injury before the Finals really hit me hard,” he admitted. “I had a lot of hope to be included in that list, but it just wasn’t the right timing.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Once a star for the national team, Lozano now fights to regain his place in

  It’s hard to believe, but Lozano has gradually lost prominence with the Mexican national team, mainly due to recurring injuries and dips in form. Arguably Mexico’s brightest star in recent years, Chucky never fully cemented his place as a regular starter at Napoli. His return to PSV, where he initially rose to European fame, also failed to meet expectations, leading to his move to San Diego FC in Major League Soccer.

  Mexican fans know exactly what Lozano is capable of and how much he could still offer to Aguirre’s side. However, internal competition in is currently fierce, and Lozano is well aware that he’ll need to reach peak form again if he wants to catch ’s eye ahead of the Gold Cup this summer.

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  WHAT HIRVING LOZANO SAID

  Chucky is confident he has earned another shot under Aguirre.

  “The stats speak for themselves. In five games with San Diego, I already have four assists [plus a goal], and I feel great with the team," he said. "It’s a new franchise, and I carry a big responsibility. We want this team to shine, and that will help us get called to our respective national teams."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SAN DIEGO FC?

  Mikey Varas’s side is currently sixth in the Western Conference with 14 points and will host Real Salt Lake City Saturday in MLS Matchday 10.