‘I’m Available’: San Diego FC Star Sends Clear Message to Mexico Boss Javier Aguirre
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has never been one to fade quietly into the background. At 29, the mercurial winger might be plying his trade far from the spotlight of Europe these days, but don’t mistake that for obscurity. On the contrary, the San Diego FC forward is rediscovering the kind of form that once made him the darling of Mexican football—and he’s letting it be known that he’s ready to wear the green of El Tri once again.
“I’m available,” Lozano told Fox Sports after a scintillating performance in San Diego’s 5–0 demolition of FC Dallas. “I’d be very happy to return. I just have to keep working to be in the best shape possible.”
With two goals in that match—bringing his MLS tally to four goals and four assists in just eight appearances—Lozano has not only led San Diego FC to fourth place in the Western Conference but also reignited the conversation around his place in Mexico’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.
Reborn in San Diego: Lozano Leading the Charge
It’s no secret that the last few years haven’t gone quite according to plan for Lozano. After his big-money move to Napoli, he struggled to cement a regular starting role in Serie A. There were bright moments, yes, but also frustrating injuries and long spells on the bench. His return to PSV in 2023, where he had once dazzled during his first European stint, was expected to reignite his career—but instead, it led to more inconsistency and more time spent out of the national team picture.
Enter Major League Soccer, and more specifically, San Diego FC.
As one of the headline signings for the expansion club, there were plenty of eyes on Lozano to deliver. And after a slow start—including three missed matches due to a muscle injury—it’s safe to say he’s heating up. With his brace against Dallas, Lozano became just the fifth player in MLS history to register at least four goals and four assists in his first eight games with an expansion team in its debut season.
That same night, he also etched his name into the league’s history books as only the fourth player ever to rack up at least two goals and two assists in a single match for an expansion team during its inaugural campaign. The last man to do it? Fellow Mexican star Carlos Vela, back in October 2018.
Timing the Run: World Cup Hopes Still Alive
The timing couldn’t be better for Lozano. The road to the 2026 World Cup is already well underway, and with Javier Aguirre now at the helm for Mexico, the squad is undergoing an identity shift. The competition in the attacking line is fierce—with names like Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, César Huerta, and Roberto Alvarado all in the mix—but Lozano’s experience and resurgence make him a compelling candidate.
His last appearance for El Tri came in March 2024, during a bitter 2–0 defeat to the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League Final under former coach Jaime Lozano. Since then, Chucky has been on the outside looking in, watching younger talents seize the spotlight while he worked on rebuilding his game from across the Atlantic.
Now, with Aguirre evaluating options for both the Gold Cup and the World Cup qualifiers, Lozano is sending a message loud and clear: he’s not done yet.
A Veteran Presence with a Point to Prove
What Lozano offers goes beyond just goals and assists. His style—direct, fast, and aggressive—can still turn games. He plays with a swagger that has always made him a fan favorite, and even in the early days of his MLS journey, you can sense a hunger that perhaps hasn’t burned this brightly in years.
San Diego head coach Mikey Varas has already praised Lozano’s influence on the squad, both in terms of leadership and impact on the field. With the club pushing for its sixth win of the regular season as they prepare to visit St. Louis City SC this weekend, Chucky’s contributions are proving to be invaluable—not just for San Diego, but potentially for Mexico too.
It’s rare for a player who has worn the colors of Pachuca, PSV, and Napoli to find fresh motivation in MLS, but Lozano seems to have embraced this chapter with open arms. There’s a freedom to his play, a sense of enjoyment that had gone missing during his more turbulent European seasons.
No Guarantees, but Every Chance
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in international football. The competition for places is intense, especially in attack. Aguirre will have his own ideas about how to shape the squad for the challenges ahead, and form alone won’t be the only factor in selection.
But it’s hard to ignore Lozano when he’s putting up numbers like this, especially while guiding a brand-new club to unexpected early-season success. He’s healthy, he’s playing regularly, and most importantly, he’s finding joy on the pitch again.
As far as auditions go, this is as good as it gets.
The Road Ahead for San Diego FC and Chucky
San Diego FC still has plenty of work to do this season, but the vibes are good and the football is clicking. With players like Lozano leading the charge, belief is growing that this team can do more than just survive its debut MLS campaign—it can thrive.
Next up is a tough road test against St. Louis City SC, a team known for its gritty, high-tempo approach. If Lozano continues to deliver in the attacking third, San Diego could be a real threat in the West.
But more importantly for Chucky, every match is now an audition. Every goal, assist, and clever piece of play is a reminder to Javier Aguirre and the Mexico coaching staff that one of the country’s most electric talents still has plenty to give.
After all, Lozano has made it crystal clear: he’s available. And he’s not going anywhere quietly.
