The eternal comparison between MLS and Liga MX exploded again just when North American soccer is going through one of the most mediatic moments in its history. This time, Ailton Da Silva, a former Brazilian soccer player who played for Mexican teams such as Pumas and Leon, was the one who stirred up the controversy by asserting that the U.S. league has already surpassed Mexican soccer.
The statements come in a key week for the Concacaf Champions Cup, a tournament that once again pits clubs from both leagues against each other and serves as a real thermometer to measure the competitive level of the region. In an interview with Claro Sports on W, Ailton explained that the growth of MLS is no longer limited only to the economic aspect, but also to the sporting, media and structural aspects.
Lionel Messi changed soccer in the U.S.
For Da Silva, there has been a before and after since Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami.
The world champion not only revolutionized the media attention of MLS, but also the global perception of the U.S. tournament.
“With the arrival of Messi at Inter Miami, and the opening of the new stadium as well, MLS is gaining a big share of relevance,” the former player explained.
Messi’s presence boosted ticket sales, merchandise and television rights, in addition to attracting new Hispanic fans in the United States.
Especially Mexicans and South Americans who now follow the league with much more attention (Filed as: MLS surpasses Liga MX).
Infrastructure makes a difference
“I think MLS is a little bit above Liga MX”.
‼️EXCLUSIVA with Ailton Da Silva, former Pumas player
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💻 https://t.co/sczDFPu6p4 pic.twitter.com/3BozOaOOqD– Claro Sports (@ClaroSports) May 5, 2026
Another point Ailton highlighted was infrastructure development in the United States.
New stadiums, modern training centers and ambitious sports projects helped raise MLS’s international profile.
In addition, the league maintains a clear strategy in the signing of foreigners.
According to Da Silva, MLS carefully selects the international players who come to the tournament, thus raising the competitive level.
“To get into the league you have to be a top foreigner; the more that come in, the ones that stay are the best,” he assured.
This model has allowed international figures to find stability and competitiveness in the United States.
As the league continues to grow both athletically and commercially (Filed under: MLS surpasses Liga MX).
MLS is gaining a huge amount of relevance
Ailton Da Silva
Has MLS really surpassed Liga MX?
Despite his statements, Ailton also acknowledged the enormous historical weight of Liga MX.
Teams such as Chivas, America, Pumas and the northern clubs maintain a huge fan base and a deeply rooted identity among the Mexican community.
However, he believes that MLS has already taken advantage in several respects.
“As a soccer fan, I think MLS is a little ahead of Mexican soccer,” he said.
The debate is still open and will probably continue for years to come.
But one thing seems clear: MLS no longer lives in the shadow of Liga MX.
Today he competes directly with her, both on and off the court.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
