Rafael Márquez leaves Henry Martín and Malagón off Mexico's roster

Rafael Márquez's roster for the November FIFA date brings more than one surprise, and not exactly because of who made the cut, but because of who didn't. The Tri's head coach left out Henry Martín, Mexico's top scorer in this 2026 Apertura with 10 goals so far this tournament, even as the national team deals with the blow of losing Raúl Jiménez to injury.

According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the Club America forward will not appear in the squad for the matches against Jamaica in the Nations League. It's a notable call given that Henry Martín is going through a strong run as America's go-to scorer, right as Márquez finds himself without his starting forward. Everything points to Santiago Giménez getting another opportunity, even though the forward himself hasn't been showing his best form since before the World Cup.

The other absence that raised eyebrows is Luis Ángel Malagón. The America goalkeeper had already won back his starting job at the club and was hoping for a return to the national team this month, following the serious Achilles tendon injury he suffered last March that kept him out of the World Cup. He won't be included either.

Four America players do make the cut

Where there is room for America players is in the rest of the roster. ESPN learned that Israel Reyes, Érick Sánchez, Kevin Álvarez and Isaías Violante will be part of the list Márquez is set to announce this Thursday. For Kevin Álvarez in particular, it marks a return to the national team.

And what about the rest of the preparation? Márquez is planning for the Mexican national team to hold its training camp in the Riviera Maya ahead of the match against Jamaica in the Nations League, looking to train in a climate similar to what the team will face on its trip to Kingston, the Jamaican capital. It's a decision that makes clear that, beyond the names coming in or going out, the coaching staff is also thinking about the field conditions and atmosphere awaiting the team on Caribbean soil.