Jozy Altidore Reflects on Liga MX Roots, MLS Growth, and the Evolving Leagues Cup Rivalry
Jozy Altidore scored 42 goals for the USMNT, but his passion for soccer started with Mexican football. Growing up, he watched Liga MX games alongside his father, enjoying the electric atmosphere of Telemundo commentators reacting to even the smallest goals. Born in New Jersey to Haitian immigrants and raised in South Florida, Altidore’s love for the sport was deeply influenced by the game south of the border.
This background gives him a unique angle when looking at the Leagues Cup, a tournament that pits MLS clubs against Liga MX’s top teams. Altidore also experienced Liga MX firsthand as a player, joining Puebla on loan late in his career, which deepened his understanding of both leagues.
Balancing the Rivalry
Altidore told GOAL the competition between Liga MX and MLS has often been evenly matched. The rivalry has seen shifts in dominance, but recent player transfers, like Chicago Fire’s striker moving to Monterrey, highlight the rising quality and competitive balance in both leagues.
An International Influence on the Leagues Cup
Having played over 100 times for the USMNT, Altidore witnessed the intense Mexico-U.S. rivalry up close. Today, his focus is on the evolving Leagues Cup, which recently showed a shift toward Liga MX dominance during its group stages. Strong MLS teams such as Inter Miami and Nashville failed to advance, while Liga MX’s best moved forward.
“It’s been a really good iteration this year,” Altidore said, praising the excitement around the tournament and soccer in the U.S. He noted that the rivalry now extends beyond national identities due to the international makeup of club rosters.
MLS teams like Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, and LAFC have numerous players from South America and Europe, broadening the competition beyond just a U.S.-Mexico battle.
USMNT and MLS Development
Altidore remains connected to the USMNT, having represented the U.S. 115 times across two World Cups. While some questioned whether MLS players could make an impact on the national team, current coach Mauricio Pochettino included eight MLS players on the World Cup roster, proving domestic talent can thrive.
Altidore believes it doesn’t matter where a player competes, but how they perform week after week. He highlighted young players like Zavier Gozo, who moved from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace, as examples of those pushing themselves to new levels.
Impact of International Stars on MLS
The arrival of global stars has transformed MLS, with many talents coming from top European leagues. Altidore mentioned Casemiro’s move to Inter Miami, emphasizing that players are drawn not only by individual teammates like Messi but by the league's growing appeal.
MLS continues to improve, and upcoming changes to roster rules and a shift to a fall-spring schedule might further boost the league. Still, Altidore cautions that spending controls have value and suggests a balanced approach to allow teams more flexibility.
Altidore’s Experience Playing in Liga MX
Near the end of his career, Altidore fulfilled a childhood dream by joining Puebla on loan. Though initially hesitant due to the intense U.S.-Mexico rivalry, he was warmly welcomed by teammates, staff, and fans alike.
Reflecting on his time there, he said, “For me, it was like I was at home.” He wishes he had made the move earlier, believing he would have enjoyed it more during his prime.
Leagues Cup: A Wide-Open Contest
Altidore sees the Leagues Cup as unpredictable and exciting, with no clear favorite among the top teams. Despite some matches being held in MLS stadiums, fan support can heavily favor Liga MX clubs, as seen with Club America’s large presence at Providence Park.
Recent quarterfinal results saw Monterrey and León secure semifinal spots after tough wins against Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake. Upcoming matches between Club America and Columbus, and Toluca versus Austin, could tip the balance further.
“You have four or five teams where anything can happen, and I think that’s so exciting because it makes for great entertainment, high-level football,” Altidore said.
