Jozy Altidore Reflects on Liga MX Roots, MLS Growth, and Leagues Cup Rivalry

Some of Jozy Altidore's fondest childhood memories involve watching Liga MX matches. Raised in South Florida by Haitian immigrant parents, he would sit with his dad as Telemundo announcers enthusiastically covered Mexican football. This early exposure nurtured his passion for the sport, which later helped shape his unique perspective as a player and analyst.

Altidore scored 42 goals for the USMNT, debuting against Mexico's national team, El Tri, and personally experienced one of CONCACAF’s most intense rivalries. His bond with Liga MX runs deeper than just a childhood fascination—he also played in the league during his career, joining Puebla on loan near its end.

A Balanced View of MLS and Liga MX Competition

Reflecting on the evolving competition between MLS and Liga MX, Altidore shared with GOAL that the balance has shifted over time. "It’s been pretty split," he said. "The rivalry reflects the competitive balance we often discuss. Previously, one league might have held the upper hand, but now transfers between leagues are common." He pointed out how Chicago Fire sent their striker to Monterrey, highlighting MLS's growth and Liga MX's constant drive to improve through investment.

The International Influence on Rivalry

Having earned over 100 caps for the USMNT, Altidore witnessed the Mexico-USA rivalry firsthand. Nowadays, he sees the Leagues Cup as a thrilling contest that balances on a knife’s edge. In 2025, all four semifinalists were MLS clubs, showing American sides’ dominance, even if some games were decided by narrow margins or penalties.

This year, the quarterfinal lineup was evenly split between MLS and Liga MX teams. Yet Liga MX teams dominated some Phase One matchups, knocking out several top MLS contenders such as Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati. The early rounds featured only cross-league games, and Liga MX’s strongest clubs advanced while some MLS favorites fell short.

"It’s been a really good iteration this year," Altidore noted. "I’m excited about the buzz around Leagues Cup and soccer in the U.S."

He recalled growing up when Mexican soccer was dominant, and the rivalry mostly reflected national team clashes. Now, club rosters feature diverse international talent, expanding the rivalry beyond just a USA-Mexico dynamic.

"Early MLS had more American players, but now teams like Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, and LAFC are loaded with South American and European talent," Altidore explained. "The rivalry is more at the league level than just the USA vs. Mexico."

Focus on USMNT and Player Development

Altidore remains closely connected to the USMNT story. With 115 appearances and 42 goals, including two World Cups, he stands among the most accomplished American players abroad. Though much of his prime was spent in MLS, where he won titles with Toronto alongside Michael Bradley, he acknowledges changing perceptions about domestic talent.

Since Altidore retired, the USMNT has leaned more on MLS players, as seen under coach Mauricio Pochettino, who included eight MLS-based players in the recent World Cup squad. Altidore believes performance matters most, no matter the league.

"Where you play isn’t as important as how you play week in and week out," he said. "Players can’t rely just on good contracts; they have to perform consistently."

He also supports a stronger MLS-to-Europe pathway, praising young players like Zavier Gozo, who recently transferred from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace for a significant fee. Altidore admires players who push themselves to reach new heights.

"When you have 10, 15, 20 players like that, you build a strong league," he added.

The Impact of International Stars on MLS

MLS has improved dramatically since Altidore’s last game there in 2023, largely due to an influx of top talent from major leagues like Italy’s Serie A and England’s Premier League. Many of the world’s best players now choose MLS, raising its overall quality.

Altidore highlighted Casemiro's move to Inter Miami as an example. The Brazilian star turned down Italian interest partly to play alongside Lionel Messi, underscoring the league’s growing appeal.

"MLS now attracts stars globally," Altidore said. "Players want to come here and experience it without hesitation."

Ongoing talks about roster rule changes and a planned shift to a European-style calendar in 2027-28 could further transform the league. Altidore is cautious but open to moderate spending flexibility.

"It’s a balance," he said. "Some spending controls are good, but loosening constraints a bit could help teams get better players."

Playing in Liga MX: A Dream Realized

Towards the end of his career, Altidore joined Liga MX’s Puebla on loan. Despite strong offers from Club America and Tigres years earlier, family commitments and MLS success kept him in Canada. When the chance to play in Mexico finally arrived, it fulfilled a long-held dream.

"Growing up, Liga MX was some of the first football I watched with my dad," he recalled. "Playing there felt like home."

Although other American stars like Marcelo Balboa and Landon Donovan had played in Liga MX, Altidore’s personal connection made his move special. Initially, he and his family were wary due to the rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico, but the warm reception surprised him.

"I was received with open arms," he said. "Teammates, staff, even people on the street were incredibly welcoming."

Looking back, he wishes he had made the move earlier in his career.

"I really loved it and often wonder what if I went there sooner?"

Leagues Cup’s Unpredictable Future

Altidore feels well-positioned to comment on Leagues Cup, having played professionally on both sides of the border. Even when matches take place in MLS stadiums, support can be complicated. For instance, Club America fans outnumbered Portland Timbers supporters at Providence Park recently, reflecting the club's huge following.

"Club America is the biggest team in this region with millions of supporters," he said. "Playing against top teams on the continent is tough."

Recent quarterfinal matches favored Liga MX. Monterrey narrowly defeated Chicago Fire 2-1, with Orbelín Pineda scoring a late winner. Meanwhile, León secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, grabbing the first two semifinal spots for Liga MX.

• Monterrey vs Chicago Fire: 2-1 (Pineda scored decisive goal)
• León vs Real Salt Lake: 3-0 (Diber Cambindo scored twice; Sebastián Vegas added one)

Upcoming matches include Monterrey facing the winner of Club America vs Columbus and León playing Toluca or Austin.

Before the quarterfinals, Altidore saw no clear favorite. The results only confirmed his belief that the tournament’s unpredictability makes it compelling.

"You have four or five teams where anything can happen," he said. "That makes for great entertainment and high-level football."