Jozy Altidore Reflects on Liga MX Roots, MLS Growth, and Leagues Cup Rivalry
Jozy Altidore, a USMNT legend with 42 goals, traces his passion for soccer back to watching Liga MX as a child. Growing up in New Jersey and South Florida to Haitian immigrant parents, Altidore spent many evenings with his dad immersed in the excitement of Mexican football broadcasts on Telemundo. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong affection for the sport south of the border.
This connection runs deeper than fandom; Altidore also played in Liga MX during the twilight of his career on loan at Puebla. His unique background gives him a broad perspective when analyzing North American soccer, especially the evolving competition between MLS and Liga MX in the Leagues Cup.
Balancing the Rivalry Between MLS and Liga MX
Altidore believes the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX is evenly matched nowadays. "It's been pretty split," he told GOAL. "The competitive balance shifts over time, but now with players transferring between leagues, like Chicago Fire’s striker moving to Monterrey, it shows how MLS has caught up and how Mexican teams continually invest in improving." The player movement reflects a growing parity that makes their clashes more intriguing.
The Changing Face of the Leagues Cup
In recent years, MLS clubs dominated the Leagues Cup semifinals, but this year Liga MX teams have hit back hard, knocking out several top MLS contenders early. Altidore finds this edition thrilling. “It’s been a really good iteration,” he said, excited by the rising level of competition and fan interest in the U.S.
He recalls how Liga MX used to be the stronger force when he was younger, while the USMNT was still developing consistency. Now, club rosters feature a wide international mix rather than just American versus Mexican players, expanding the rivalry to a league-wide scale. Teams like Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, and LAFC boast South American and European talents, making the contests more global.
Focus on the USMNT and MLS Talent Pipeline
Altidore’s international career spanned over 100 caps, two World Cups, and 42 goals. Though he had a notable European club career, his prime years were in MLS, winning trophies alongside teammate Michael Bradley at Toronto FC. Back then, MLS players faced skepticism regarding their suitability for the national team, but that has shifted under coach Mauricio Pochettino, who included eight MLS players in his 2022 World Cup squad.
Altidore stresses that performance matters more than league affiliation. "It doesn’t matter where you play; it’s how you perform week in, week out," he said. He supports the growing trend of young MLS players moving to Europe, citing Zavier Gozo’s transfer from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace as a great example of ambition and progress.
International Stars Elevate MLS
The arrival of global stars has transformed MLS since Altidore’s final playing days. Transfers from major European leagues bring fresh talent and raise standards across the board. Altidore points to Casemiro joining Inter Miami as a notable case—not just for his skill, but because he chose MLS to play alongside Lionel Messi. This signals how attractive the league has become to elite players worldwide.
MLS plans to relax roster spending limits and shift to a fall-spring calendar in 2027-28, though Altidore is cautious. He appreciates financial controls but sees value in giving teams more flexibility to acquire quality players.
A Warm Welcome at Puebla
After building a decorated MLS career, Altidore finally fulfilled a childhood dream by playing in Liga MX on loan at Puebla. Despite initial skepticism from his family due to the intense U.S.-Mexico rivalry, he was embraced warmly by teammates, staff, and fans alike. "For me, it was like I was at home," he reflected. Looking back, he regrets not making the move earlier in his career.
Leagues Cup Outlook: Open and Exciting
Altidore remains keenly interested in the Leagues Cup’s development. He notes that even matches hosted at MLS stadiums can feel like away games when huge contingents of Mexican fans turn out, such as Club America supporters in Portland.
