MLS & Liga MX Spark Merger Rumors
The Major League Soccer All-Star Game brought top players from North America and Mexico together to duke it out on the soccer pitch last Wednesday, August 25, but are Liga MX-MLS games here to stay? Fans, players and FIFA officials all say a joint league is a promising idea.
Could a MLS and Liga MX super-league be in the works? ©Benoit Dare/Unsplash
Experts say MLS & Lisa MX are a perfect match
The game, which was postponed from 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, is an exciting chance for international soccer fans to celebrate the sport across North and Central America. It has generated enough interest to prompt the idea of a more regular joint-league, where Mexican and North American clubs could compete yearly.
As early as March 2021, FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino spoke about the regional super league idea in a favorable light, saying:
“I think the potential in the United States and Mexico is enormous, each country by itself. But, of course, if you could bring those two together, that would be incredible, and that could quite well be the best league in the world.”
It’s clear that it would not only be supported by FIFA, but could become “the greatest soccer competition on the planet” according to FOX Sports. So far, the idea of such a league is only based on conjecture, but the recent matched stoked the flames further and officials have not denied the possibility, with MLS commissioner Don Garber commenting, “If it makes sense at the right time, then we’ll take that step.”
As opposed to the short-lived plan to form a European Super League of Europe’s and the UK’s wealthiest teams, a Canadian-U.S.-Mexico league seems like an idea that fans could stand behind as much as players.
It’s a mutually-beneficial deal: Mexican teams would benefit from more eyes on their players in the U.S. and Canada, opening the door to an even wider international audience and investment, while MLS players may gain more traction in a country where soccer often takes a backseat to other national pastimes. In short, Mexican and North American soccer plans may be able to elevate both leagues to international recognition if they join forces.
Soccer analyst Alexi Lalas shared the opinion that the rumors have real traction, saying:
“There is no smoke without fire. No one is doing anything to dissuade the rumors and talk about the possibilities. That says a lot. Both of these businesses look at each other longingly in different ways. They [could] both complete each other. With the ramp-up toward the 2026 World Cup, it may make sense.”
How would a joint league function?
The logistics are another story, of course. MLS already has 27 teams (three from Canada and another 24 from the U.S.) and is set to expand to 30 soon. Liga MX has 18 of their own teams already, which operate within their own multi-league system. In other words, the joint league would have to address promotion and relegation.
Another idea would be to have this league only consist of both MLS’ and Liga MX’s very best, with no promotion and relegation in a way that worked completely outside of the existing leagues. It would, however, be even more exciting to operate with all 48 teams, split into further regional divisions to allow for the same traditional rivalries from both leagues — for added entertainment value.
What’s undisputed is, the potential of such a pairing is great. Not only for increased popularity of soccer across the North American continent, but also for financial profits and to bring the MLS into line with the greats of European soccer. Lalas is of the opinion that such a league would interest not only Mexico and the U.S., but also draw eyes from soccer fans all over the world.
MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game ends in penalty shoot out
MLS and Liga MX’s most prominent figures came together at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night to play in a much-anticipated game. The match was finally possible since the easing of COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, which caused postponement of many games across Mexico and other countries in the last year.
Players were in a deadlock, with one goal on either side for the duration of the game, and fans showing ample support for both teams. The MLS team eventually won with penalties.
Though he didn’t address talk of a super-league, MLS All-Star captain Cristian Roldan was extremely positive about the match, saying:
“This match was highly anticipated by both sides and the fans. The atmosphere was great, the quality of soccer was really good – there could have been more goals – but it was a great overall All-Star Game. I look forward to this becoming a yearly thing.”
This news is also a positive development after Mexico’s teams and soccer fans have been under fire for failing to kill a controversial game chant. The chant, which opposers say is homophobic, could threaten Mexico’s chance at hosting the World Cup and even of competing next year.
