Armando Gonzalez: The Rising Star Set to Ignite Mexico's National Team Future

The upcoming November international break may witness Liga MX Apertura 2025 sensation Armando González earn his first cap with the Mexico national squad, with anticipation reaching fever pitch.

Anticipation has reached unprecedented levels for González following his remarkable 12-goal haul across the 17-match regular campaign that secured him the Liga MX top scorer trophy.

Following a subdued beginning to the campaign, González elevated his performance dramatically from late August onwards. "La Hormiga" concluded the season by netting seven times in his final six appearances, propelling Chivas to sixth position and automatic quarterfinal qualification.

Chivas remained unbeaten whenever González registered on the scoresheet, consistently delivering in crucial encounters by netting the decisive goal in El Clásico Nacional versus Club América and completing a hat-trick against Atlas in El Clásico Tapatío—the local rivalry match.

González's dozen strikes represent the highest tally by a Mexican striker in one campaign since Henry Martín's 14-goal achievement for Club América during the 2023 Clausura. Only Uriel Antuna in 2024 joins González as Mexican recipients of the Liga MX Golden Boot this decade. Additionally, González becomes just the fifth Mexican footballer to claim this honor over the past 15 seasons.

González's lethal finishing prowess caught attention, resulting in his maiden El Tri selection for forthcoming exhibition matches against Uruguay and Paraguay.

Armando Gonzalez Has Golden Opportunity to Make 2026 World Cup Roster

🤞🏻🇲🇽#RojiblancosDeSelección pic.twitter.com/IK9riLG6tD

Javier Aguirre presented González with a chance to demonstrate his abilities in Mexico's final two fixtures of 2025.

With Santiago Gimenez sidelined due to an ankle problem, a striker position became available and González emerged as the ideal candidate. Upon joining Mexico's training camp, "La Hormiga" expressed his emotions.

"I was always confident in my capabilities," Gonzalez revealed to media members (via TUDN). "However, I never anticipated it would occur this rapidly. I'm extremely pleased about this selection. Thankful to Javier [Aguirre] and Rafa [Márquez] for providing me this chance to represent the national squad.

"I maintain optimism always. I'll strive toward that goal [2026 World Cup inclusion], and if it doesn't materialize, I'll continue preparing for the subsequent World Cup. Should it happen though, I'll contribute everything possible to honor this nation completely."

Should González maintain his exceptional performance throughout the Apertura 2025 playoffs and subsequent Clausura 2025 campaign, excluding him from Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad would be difficult for Aguirre to justify.

Liga MX Apertura 2025 Golden Boot Standings

🇦🇹 ARMANDO GONZÁLEZ IS THE TOP SCORER OF THE AP25! 🏆

😍 Our young academy player is the top scorer of the AP25 with 12 goals, the result of teamwork and effort.

MADE IN MEXICO! 🇲🇽 MADE IN CHIVAS! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ICRecPMkD8