Jozy Altidore Reflects on His Liga MX Roots, MLS Growth, and the Rising Rivalry in Leagues Cup

Jozy Altidore's Connection to Mexican Soccer

Some of Jozy Altidore's fondest childhood memories involve watching Mexican football. Growing up in South Florida, the son of Haitian immigrants would sit with his dad as they watched Liga MX matches on Telemundo, soaking in the passionate commentary even over simple goals. This early love for soccer south of the border influenced a career that saw Altidore score 42 goals for the USMNT, including his first against Mexico.

Altidore’s relationship with Liga MX goes beyond fandom; late in his career, he played for Puebla on loan. That experience gives him a unique view when discussing North American soccer, especially the evolving dynamics of the Leagues Cup, which pits the best from MLS against top Liga MX teams.

Competitive Balance Between MLS and Liga MX

Altidore shared his thoughts on the rivalry’s balance: “I think it’s been pretty split. It reinforces the idea of competitive balance that we often talk about between Liga MX and MLS. Sometimes one league seemed on top, but now with transfers happening both ways—like Chicago Fire sending their striker to Monterrey—it shows how MLS has grown and how Mexican clubs are always pushing to improve.”

An International Influence Shapes the Rivalry

Having earned over 100 caps for the USMNT and experienced the intense rivalry with Mexico firsthand, Altidore notes the rivalry has expanded beyond a strict USA vs. Mexico narrative at the club level. Many MLS teams now feature international stars from South America and Europe, making the competition broader and more diverse. Teams like Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, and LAFC showcase this shift.

This year’s Leagues Cup highlights that evolution. Though the 2025 semifinals were all MLS sides, the earlier stages showed Liga MX dominance. Several MLS Cup hopefuls failed to advance past Phase One, while Liga MX’s strongest squads moved forward convincingly.

USMNT Focus and MLS Development

Altidore, who played twice in the World Cup and scored 42 times for the USMNT, sees domestic talent gaining prominence. Since his retirement, the national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino has embraced MLS players, naming eight to the recent World Cup roster. 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 encourages young players to push themselves, citing Zavier Gozo’s transfer from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace as an example of ambition and growth in American soccer talent.

MLS Attracting Global Talent

The league has seen a surge in high-profile international signings from top leagues like Serie A and the Premier League. Altidore believes this influx raises the overall standard of play. The arrival of stars such as Casemiro, who chose Inter Miami partly to play alongside Lionel Messi, signals the growing appeal of MLS worldwide. This trend suggests players want to compete in the league itself, not just because of individual talents like Messi.

Discussions around MLS adopting a fall-spring calendar and relaxing spending rules are ongoing, though Altidore appreciates the balance between financial control and allowing teams to acquire quality players.

A Personal Chapter in Liga MX

In the twilight of his career, Altidore fulfilled a dream by joining Puebla on loan. Despite initial skepticism from his family about playing in Mexico due to the US-Mexico rivalry, he found the reception warm and welcoming. Looking back, he wonders if moving there earlier might have been enjoyable.

His journey stands out among Americans who played in Liga MX, such as Marcelo Balboa and Landon Donovan, due to his lifelong connection to Mexican soccer culture.

Leagues Cup Remains Unpredictable

Altidore sees the current Leagues Cup as highly competitive and unpredictable. Even with MLS stadiums hosting games, fan support can heavily favor Liga MX teams, exemplified by Club America’s large presence at a match in Portland.

Recent quarterfinal matches further demonstrated Liga MX strength. Monterrey edged out Chicago Fire 2-1, highlighted by Orbelín Pineda’s late winning goal, while León overwhelmed Real Salt Lake 3-0, securing two semifinal spots for Mexican clubs. The upcoming matchups could tilt 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, and I’m looking forward to watching,” Altidore said.