This year could be a turning point in the ongoing battle between Liga MX and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the Leagues Cup. As the tournament kicked off with matches across the U.S. and Canada, the spotlight is on whether Mexican teams can break the MLS’s recent grip on the title. The last two tournaments ended with MLS emerging victorious, with Inter Miami and Columbus Crew taking home the trophy, and Lionel Messi making headlines for his spectacular performance even before officially joining MLS.
The Leagues Cup has revamped its format this year, potentially giving Liga MX teams an edge. Previously, every MLS team participated, but now only the top 18 American and Canadian teams from the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs are competing, alongside all 18 Liga MX clubs. This change means there are no more intra-league matches, preventing MLS and Liga MX teams from facing opponents from their own leagues during the initial stages.
This could prove advantageous for Liga MX, which operates without the same financial and roster limitations that MLS teams face. Early results seem to support this, with Mexican teams winning five out of six initial matches. Notable victories included Puebla’s decisive win over NYCFC and Tigers’ triumph over the Houston Dynamo. Montreal was the only MLS team to win, defeating Leon in a thrilling penalty shootout.
DaMarcus Beasley, a former Puebla player, shared his thoughts with FOX Sports, noting that the new format brings excitement by ensuring every game is against a team from a different league. He explained that playing against familiar opponents can feel like just another league game, but the fresh matchups add a level of intrigue for both players and fans. As the tournament progresses, more high-profile matches are expected to keep the energy high.
Excitement builds as Messi’s Argentina teammate, Rodrigo de Paul, is set to debut for Inter Miami against Atlas. Other anticipated games include Club America’s visit to Real Salt Lake, where they will face off against rising USMNT star Diego Luna. A doubleheader on FS1 features Orlando City battling Pumas, followed by a clash between the Portland Timbers and San Luis.
The tournament’s fast-paced schedule promises a thrilling array of matches, with multiple games scheduled daily until the final on August 31. Once the Leagues Cup concludes, teams will shift their focus back to their respective domestic leagues. The new format may not yet have the same widespread appeal as when Messi first joined, but it offers a fresh perspective on the competitive dynamic between MLS and Liga MX.
While Liga MX has historically dominated the Concacaf Champions Cup, the timing of that tournament often disadvantages MLS teams, as it falls early in their season. Conversely, previous Leagues Cup winners like Miami and Columbus have benefited from the absence of games in Mexico, where North American teams typically struggle. If this year’s changes succeed in evening the playing field, the Leagues Cup could be more competitive than ever.
Doug McIntyre, a seasoned soccer reporter for FOX Sports, continues to cover the developments of the Leagues Cup and its impact on the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX. As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await to see how the new format will unfold and whether it will spark greater enthusiasm for the tournament.
