Diego Lainez drops out of Mexico Squad for the Copa América

Confirmed by Selección Mexico on X (Twitter), the 23-year-old suffered an injury to his right ankle during the Clausura playoffs and will now focus on his recovery to prepare for the 2024/25 campaign.

The explosive winger has been highly regarded by those associated with the Selección and was expected to play a key role for the country this summer.

Lainez started his career at Club América, scoring five goals in 39 appearances before catching the eye of Real Betis in Spain. Struggling to claim a starting position for the Seville-based club, he ended a four-year stint to play on loan for Portuguese side Sporting Clube de Braga, where he would only represent the club six times.

Diego Lainez is out for Copa América

In 2023, Lainez returned to Mexico in search of regular form. Trading the capital for the north, the winger joined Tigres. An initial loan move turned permanent after impressing.

Lainez offers a sharp bust of pace with a vicious left foot. His goal in the Clausura playoffs against Monterrey best summarised his style of play. Cutting inside, off the right flank, beating the goalkeeper with a powerful left-footed finish. He is a creative and fearless attacker, known for his ability to dribble at pace with the ball.

Taking his place in the national team this summer is Monterrey right winger Jordi Cortizo. A 27-year-old who made his debut for the country in September 2023. Unlike Lainez, Cortizo has only played in Mexico, but he has played for the likes of Querétaro, Los Xolos and Puebla, before his 2023 move to Los Rayados.