The main focus, in response to Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, is just not the place gamers compete, however how properly they carry out on the sector. From Miami, Scaloni emphasised that the MLS has grown considerably, inserting it on the identical degree as Mexico’s Liga MX. For him, expertise issues way over the league’s status.
Talking at an AFA occasion in Miami, Scaloni highlighted how the extent of play in america and Mexico is nearer than many consider: “MLS has leveled up loads with Liga MX. In truth, they play towards one another in competitions and there are nearly no variations. Liga MX has all the time 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 ultimate, 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 repute is just not a deciding issue when calling up gamers for the Argentine nationwide group. 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 robust leagues, that’s a plus, however MLS and Liga MX are aggressive. Enjoying there’s not an issue for somebody who needs to be on the nationwide group.”
see additionally
World Cup winner with Messi’s Argentina makes uncooked admission after doping ban: ‘Soccer had died for me’
This philosophy explains why Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, now main Inter Miami, stay central figures for Argentina. Scaloni has additionally continuously referred to as up Thiago Almada whereas he was with Atlanta United, proving that MLS could be a professional 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 lovely sport on this planet, particularly for Argentines. Get pleasure from it. You’re going to see nice stars. The World Cup is exclusive, and having it right here is particular. We hope you get pleasure from it and cheer for Argentina in case your group 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.
