Vela aims to follow in Beckham’s footsteps, eyes owning MLS team: “It’s in my plans”

As LAFC embarks on their 2023 MLS playoff journey, starting this weekend against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the enthusiasm of their fans and the Black & Gold squad itself is palpable, focused entirely on one goal: winning back-to-back championships.

Ahead of this first-round series against the Whitecaps, Mexican forward Carlos Vela shared his plans with AS USA, hinting that this might be his last season with LAFC, while emphasizing that the number one goal is his team’s championship ambitions.

Vela also expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of David Beckham, and possibly Leo Messi in the future, by owning a US soccer franchise.

Interview with Carlos Vela

In the near future would you like to be the owner of an MLS team like Beckham is and like Messi might one day be?

I would love to, the truth is that it is something that is in my plans. Obviously you never know if that opportunity will arise, but it would be amazing, because I’ve been here for many years and been part of the growth and I would like to continue being so.

How are you experiencing these playoffs, is there anything special about them?

Playoffs are always special as each round could be the season’s last, adding excitement and tension. But the key is to aim for the title, wanting to repeat our championship, and to do that we need to win every round we face.

What are your plans for next season? Would you like to return to the team?

I haven’t received an offer from the club yet, and I can’t say we’re in talks yet as the time hasn’t come. But I’ve made it clear: I will play next year. I’m not thinking about retirement yet. I don’t know where that will be as nothing is signed yet and I can’t predict what will happen since in this business things can change anytime, but it’s not something that keeps me awake. I’m focused on finishing the season well, knowing the better I finish, the better the options for the future, and that’s what we’re focused on.