The Mexican national football team is set to face Canada in a highly anticipated semifinal match of the Nations League this Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the SoFi Stadium in California. Under the leadership of coach Javier Aguirre, the team's roster for the match has raised eyebrows, particularly with the notable absence of veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Ochoa, who has always been a stalwart for the national team and is currently the only Mexican goalkeeper playing in Europe, was excluded from Aguirre's final roster, surprising many fans and analysts alike.
This decision has sparked various opinions, especially from emerging players, and perhaps none more so than Luis Ángel Malagón, who has been named the starting goalkeeper for the clash against Canada. Malagón, currently with Club América, expressed that Ochoa should always be considered for the national team due to his immense experience and competitive spirit. “Al final del día es un tipo competitivo, nadie le ha regalado nada. ... yo creo que al final de día hoy la competencia hablando en el tema de la portería está muy bien,” Malagón stated during an interview with ESPN, emphasizing Ochoa's influence on the squad.
Malagón’s road to this pivotal moment has been marked by determination and hard work. Just 11 years ago, he was a promising goalkeeper for Real Zamora in the third division of Mexican football. In May 2014, he helped secure his team’s promotion to the Segunda División Nuevos Talentos by saving two penalties in a decisive semifinal match against Deportivo Las Varas, concluding with a 4-2 victory after a global tie of 3-3. “Gracias a Dios, se dieron las cosas, no solo en mi sino en mis compañeros... hoy se demostró y gracias a Dios estamos en Segunda,” he reflected, highlighting the collective effort that led to their success.
Following his stint at Real Zamora, Malagón joined the youth ranks of Monarcas Morelia, where he made his Liga MX debut in 2019. His journey continued when he transferred to Necaxa in 2020, where he became a key player, appearing in 72 matches and consistently impressing with his skills. In 2023, his talent was recognized by América, where he has since played over 102 matches.
Malagón’s consistency and growth as a player have made him a vital component in América’s roster, contributing to their historic Tricampeonato under coach André Jardine. His steadfast performance has earned him the trust of Aguirre, securing his place as the starting goalkeeper for the upcoming match against Canada. This matchup is not just significant due to the competition but also in the context of Malagón’s career trajectory from the third division to defending the goal for one of the most successful teams in Mexican football.
Reflecting on the absence of his fellow goalkeeper Ochoa, Malagón emphasized the importance of competition within the team. He noted that having players like Ochoa is beneficial for all, pushing each other to elevate their performance. Malagón said, “Yo siempre he dicho que si él está, a todo mundo le sirve, porque es un tipo que trabaja, por lo que ha hecho, lo que representa.” This sentiment underlines the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the national team, crucial for achieving success against a formidable opponent like Canada.
While the match against Canada is drawing near, the absence of Ochoa has prompted speculation regarding his future with the national team. Although he was initially included in the preliminary list, his omission from the final roster indicates that while he may not be on the pitch this time around, he is not entirely out of the picture for future national team call-ups.
The Mexican national team holds tradition and legacy, and the upcoming semifinal against Canada will serve as a test of their mettle. With Aguirre’s strategic choices, including the elevation of Malagón as the main goalkeeper, the team is poised to make a statement in the Nations League. Fans will be looking to see if this young talent can step up and fill the substantial shoes left by Ochoa while contributing to Mexican football’s proud legacy.
As the date of the match approaches, anticipation builds not just for the game itself but also for how this new chapter unfolds in Malagón’s career. His journey reflects the ethos of perseverance and hard work, proving that success in football is not merely about talent but also about dedication and the ability to seize opportunities. Whether or not Mexico can overcome Canada remains to be seen, but with players like Malagón setting the stage, the future looks promising for the Tricolor.
