{"id":168874,"date":"2026-05-06T15:16:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/mls-has-already-surpassed-liga-mx-statement-sparks-debate\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T15:25:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:25:05","slug":"mls-has-already-surpassed-liga-mx-statement-sparks-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/en\/mls-has-already-surpassed-liga-mx-statement-sparks-debate\/","title":{"rendered":"“MLS has already surpassed Liga MX”: statement sparks debate"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

The statements come in a key week for the Concacaf<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Lionel Messi changed soccer in the U.S.<\/h2>\n
\"MLS
PHOTO: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For Da Silva, there has been a before and after since Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami.<\/p>\n

The world champion not only revolutionized the media attention of MLS, but also the global perception of the U.S. tournament.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

Messi’s presence boosted ticket sales, merchandise and television rights, in addition to attracting new Hispanic fans in the United States.<\/p>\n

Especially Mexicans and South Americans who now follow the league with much more attention (Filed as: MLS surpasses Liga MX).<\/p>\n

Infrastructure makes a difference<\/h2>\n
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“I think MLS is a little bit above Liga MX”.<\/p>\n

\u203c\ufe0fEXCLUSIVA with Ailton Da Silva, former Pumas player
\n\ud83d\udcfb96.9FM and 730AM
\n\ud83d\udcfa336 Dish
\n\ud83d\udcf2MENSAGES to 55-54-02-2844
\n\ud83d\udcbb https:\/\/t.co\/sczDFPu6p4<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3BozOaOOqD<\/a><\/p>\n

– Claro Sports (@ClaroSports) May 5, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n