Currently, there are no U.S.-registered players in Liga MX, despite the close ties between the countries and the collaboration fostered by the Leagues Cup
Cowell, Zendejas, and Ledezma are the only USMNT players in Liga MXVargas and “Chucky” Lozano are the Mexican internationals in MLSLeagues Cup quarterfinals begin WednesdayGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
The Leagues Cup has become a bridge between Major League Soccer and Liga MX, offering a unique stage where the two leagues face off exclusively. The revamped tournament — split into two groups, one with only MLS clubs and the other with Liga MX sides – has already produced exciting matches, even amid some criticism. Yet the connection between the leagues hasn’t always translated into player movement.
Few Mexican stars have joined MLS, and not many Americans or Canadians have tested themselves in Liga MX. Historically, there have been waves of crossover, but never a consistent flow. In recent years, both leagues have instead focused on importing European talent.
Former Liga MX star Francisco “Kikín” Fonseca believes that stems from ambition.
“In Mexico, players want to go to Europe. Clubs make good money selling them there,” he said in a call previewing the Leagues Cup knockout round coverage from Apple TV. “But this will change. Now, U.S. teams also have strong projects. It’s still hard to bring young Americans to Mexico because they also dream of Europe, but little by little this exchange will grow.”
From a young age, players on both sides of the border are told to look across the Atlantic. Marcelo Balboa, a former MLS and USMNT star who also played for Leon in Mexico, understands the appeal of Europe, but argues the region should be valued more.
“Americans dream of the EPL, Serie A, teams like Manchester United or Borussia Dortmund,” he said. “But I loved Liga MX – it’s technical, physical, and players can adapt quickly. I see MLS players who could succeed in Mexico. The mentality has to shift. Hopefully, in the coming year,s it will.”
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MLS has already benefitted from some big-name Mexicans, including Hugo Sánchez, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Fonseca’s former teammate Pavel Pardo, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. More recently, stars like Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and promising youngsters such as Obed Vargas have continued that influence. Still, Pardo says there’s room for more.
“We need more players moving back and forth,” he explained. “Most Mexicans go to Europe first and then to MLS, like Chucky. It’s tough because both Mexicans and Americans set their sights on Europe. But Mexico should also start sending young players to MLS to develop. Facing players like Messi makes the league attractive and competitive.”
Giovanni Savarese sees the same dynamic. The former striker and MLS coach pointed out how Mexican talent has been central to MLS’s growth, but believes American players should be braver about going south.
“MLS has grown thanks to Mexican players like Pardo, Hugo Sánchez, Rafa Márquez and Chicharito,” he said. “Going to Mexico can be difficult – there are different challenges – but players need to be ready to make that jump. It would benefit both leagues.”
For now, the Leagues Cup provides the clearest glimpse of what that exchange could look like on a larger scale. If the words of these legends hold true, the next step may be not just competing against one another every summer – but sharing more players across the border year-round.
AFPWHAT MLS AND LIGA MX LEGENDS SAID
Savarese, who played for the San José Earthquakes in the early 2000s, expressed excitement ahead of the Leagues Cup quarterfinals and suggested it would be a great idea for the tournament to take place in both Mexico and the United States.
“Everyone wants to see games in Mexico," he said. "The competition between the two leagues has been very interesting. It has all the ingredients for a great match. Inter vs. Tigres will be very exciting."
Meanwhile, Pardo, who played for Chicago Fire in 2011 and 2012 – his final professional club – commented on the growth of MLS.
“MLS is expanding rapidly and putting in a lot of effort," he said. "The players who have come to MLS are key talents."
Fonseca made his own prediction, naming Tigres, Toluca, and Inter Miami as the main contenders for the title.
“The champion will come from one of these three," he said.
Balboa emphasized the importance of MLS teams performing well in the quarterfinals.
“Four very good matches. It’s crucial for MLS clubs to make a strong showing – this tournament is very important for the teams here," he insisted.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Currently, Liga MX features U.S. internationals like Cade Cowell, Richard Ledezma, and Alejandro Zendejas, all of whom have been in the U.S. men’s national team conversation. Still, none are officially registered as U.S. players in Mexico – they are all listed as homegrown Mexicans, much like Joe Corona and Marco Farfán, despite being born in the United States.
All of that sets the stage for the initial knockout rounds.
The Quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup kick off this Wednesday with several intriguing matchups. Inter Miami will face Tigres in what many are calling an early final, while Liga MX champion Toluca takes on Orlando City. Seattle Sounders will meet the tournament’s dark horse, Puebla, a team struggling in the lower half of Liga MX but making a surprising run. Finally, MLS champion LA Galaxy will clash with Pachuca, currently among the leaders of the Apertura 2025.