Inter Miami defender Sergio Busquets and Club León’s Andrés Guardado have expressed their support for the Leagues Cup format. They particularly favor the elimination of extra time and the direct move to penalty shootouts in case of a tied match. According to the Leagues Cup rules, games that end in a tie at full time will be settled through penalties, with the winning team earning two points and the losing team getting one.
Busquets highlighted that the format is different but essential, citing that penalties add excitement to the game. He emphasized the physical demands on players due to a packed schedule, making it beneficial to have this format in place. On the other hand, Guardado mentioned that while penalties are entertaining for the fans, they also provide physical relief for players to maintain a high level of performance in a short time frame.
The Leagues Cup serves as a platform for the integration of Liga MX and MLS teams in a competitive environment. This collaboration was established in the 2023 edition of the tournament, marking the first official joint effort between the two leagues. Previously, friendly matches and single-game competitions showcased the potential of such collaboration. However, the Leagues Cup brought all 47 clubs together in a new format for the first time.
Both leagues are committed to enhancing the tournament’s quality and experience for players and fans. Liga MX president Mikel Arriola emphasized the importance of providing optimal conditions, referees, and revenue sources to elevate the overall standard of the competition. Guardado echoed the sentiment, expressing the desire for further progress and potential changes to benefit both Liga MX and MLS.
Guardado expressed optimism about the growth potential of the tournament, highlighting the ongoing efforts of MLS and Liga MX to improve and expand. He hinted at the possibility of hosting the tournament in Mexico as a future development. As the competition progresses, it is expected that adjustments will be made to enhance the overall experience and competitiveness of the Leagues Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to run from July 26 to Aug. 25, featuring all 47 MLS and Liga MX clubs in a group stage followed by the knockout rounds. The focus remains on delivering a high-quality product on the pitch while catering to the interests of fans and stakeholders. The Leagues Cup represents a significant collaboration between two prominent soccer leagues, showcasing the potential for future partnerships and growth opportunities.
The feedback from Sergio Busquets and Andrés Guardado reflects a positive outlook on the Leagues Cup format and its impact on player performance and fan engagement. The ongoing efforts to enhance the tournament experience and promote collaboration between Liga MX and MLS bode well for the future of soccer in North America.