Will Liga MX clubs return and MLS join Copa Libertadores? Conmebol's plan | OneFootball

One of the most recurring aspirations in Mexican soccer is the return of its clubs to the Copa Libertadores. For nearly two decades, Liga MX teams brought major rivalries to South America’s most important tournament.

That return, which for years seemed far off due to calendar and confederation issues, could be closer than many imagine.

According to ESPN América, the South American Football Confederation is considering a historic change to the Copa Libertadores format that would include four Concacaf teams.

The proposal aims to add two Liga MX clubs and two MLS (Major League Soccer) teams, with the intention of expanding the tournament’s commercial and sporting reach beyond South America.

According to the report, the plan being discussed would have one spot per country granted by direct invitation from the organizers and the other decided on sporting merit, meaning performance in their respective leagues.

The project is part of a Conmebol strategy to strengthen the Libertadores brand in markets with major economic and media power, such as Mexico and the United States, where clubs like América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, Inter Miami, and LAFC boast highly valuable squads and international followings.

Although the initiative is still in the analysis phase and requires Concacaf’s approval (which in the past has already rejected similar proposals), reports agree that, if finalized, the expansion could take effect starting with the 2027 edition.

Mexico has not taken part in the Libertadores since 2016. The last time a Mexican team played in the Copa Libertadores was in 2016. In that edition, Pumas (which reached the quarterfinals), Toluca, and Puebla took part.

Since then, the clash of schedules between Conmebol and Concacaf, along with the priority given to the Concacaf Champions League (which awards spots in the Club World Cup), has kept Mexican teams out of the South American competition.

Between 1998 and 2016, Mexican clubs were regular participants and, in several cases, standout contenders. None managed to win the title, but three reached the final: Cruz Azul in 2001 (lost to Boca Juniors), Chivas in 2010 (fell to Internacional of Porto Alegre), and Tigres in 2015 (defeated by River Plate).

In the participation records, Club América and Chivas de Guadalajara are the top Mexican representatives, with seven appearances each.

In addition to the Mexican teams, there would also be a place for MLS, and expectations are growing over the possibility of Messi playing in the competition with Inter Miami.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.