The main target, in keeping with Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, just isn’t the place gamers compete, however how properly they carry out on the sphere. From Miami, Scaloni emphasised that the MLS has grown considerably, putting it on the identical stage as Mexico’s Liga MX. For him, expertise issues excess of the league’s status.
Talking at an AFA occasion in Miami, Scaloni highlighted how the extent of play within the United States and Mexico is nearer than many imagine: “MLS has leveled up rather a lot with Liga MX. The truth is, they play towards one another in competitions and there are nearly no variations. Liga MX has at all times been a aggressive league, the place lively, high-quality gamers select to play. Each are highly effective leagues. MLS goes up.”
He was referring to the Leagues Cup, a joint event the place MLS and Liga MX golf equipment face off. The 2025 version had a historic end result, with 4 MLS groups reaching the semifinals. Within the remaining, Seattle Sounders defeated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, a second that confirmed the power of American soccer.
Choice standards: Efficiency over context
Scaloni insisted that league popularity just isn’t a deciding issue when calling up gamers for the Argentine nationwide staff. What issues most is efficiency and consistency:
Scaloni prepares to steer Argentina in his second World Cup, the place he’ll search to win back-to-back titles.
“We don’t actually care the place they play. What issues is their efficiency. After all, in the event that they compete in sturdy leagues, that’s a plus, however MLS and Liga MX are aggressive. Enjoying there’s not an issue for somebody who desires to be on the nationwide staff.”
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This philosophy explains why Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, now main Inter Miami, stay central figures for Argentina. Scaloni has additionally regularly referred to as up Thiago Almada whereas he was with Atlanta United, proving that MLS could be a reputable pathway to the world champions’ roster.
A message to Latin American followers within the U.S.
With the 2026 World Cup hosted in america, Mexico, and Canada, Scaloni additionally shared a direct message to Latino followers: “Soccer is essentially the most stunning sport on this planet, particularly for Argentines. Take pleasure in it. You’re going to see nice stars. The World Cup is exclusive, and having it right here is particular. We hope you take pleasure in it and cheer for Argentina in case your staff isn’t there.”
For Scaloni, Latino ardour is common: fiery, emotional, and deeply tied to the spectacle of the sport. That keenness, mixed with the expansion of MLS, units the stage for a historic World Cup on American soil.
