What are the main differences between MLS and the Liga MX?

Comparisons between Major League Soccer and the Liga MX continue. It’s impossible not to contrast and compare both leagues every time a MLS side plays a Mexican team. The debate resumed on Wednesday when the Columbus Crew defeated Monterrey 3-1 at the BBVA stadium to secure a place in this summer’s Concacaf Champions Cup final. Awaiting them will be another Mexican team, Pachuca.

MLS and the Liga MX: How do they differ?

Fútbol de Primera radio analyzed both leagues and reached the conclusion that Mexican soccer continues to look down on MLS, and feels superior every time a Mexican side faces a North American or Canadian one.

“This constant exercise of looking in the mirror of the MLS teams. I don’t know if this comparison is useful or if they are better than us now. The point is more to look forward, to try to improve oneself and see why the rival surpassed us,” noted Rosa Beatriz Sánchez regarding the comparisons that are always made between the two leagues.

“The most important thing here is the lack of knowledge that exists. Monterrey beat Inter Miami, they beat Cincinnati, and then suddenly along comes Columbus Crew, who as we know, are the reigning MLS champions, and eliminates them. But as they are from the MLS, there is this conception that they have to look down on themselves,” added Jaime Gallardo.

The differences between MLS and Liga MX

Despite the constant comparisons, especially taking into account the economic value of the respective rosters, the FDP panel of pundits believes that the system in both leagues is very different and that the Mexican market is usually highly inflated.

“Trying to compare Liga MX teams with those of the MLS based on budgets is a bit misleading because the Mexican market is very special. Figures are paid that sometimes do not correspond to reality and besides, in the MLS there is a salary cap - it is completely different system,” argued Daniel Chapela.

Pachuca and Columbus Crew will face each other in the Concacaf Champions Cup final which is scheduled for Saturday 1 June. The game is due to be played at Estadio Hidalgo, home of the Mexican finalists although that may change. While FDP’s journalists place Pachuca as favorites, Gallardo warned that, “There will be no tears or surprises if the Columbus Crew ends up being crowned champions.”