Doug McIntyre
Football journalist
The 2025 Leagues Cup has narrowed down to four remaining teams, representing both MLS and Liga MX. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how the tournament has unfolded thus far.
La Liga MX Powerhouses Eliminated; Messi’s Miami Prevails
The revamped tournament format features fewer MLS teams and matches held only between leagues until the knockout stage, leading to enhanced competitive balance. However, this restructuring has not stopped MLS clubs from surpassing their Mexican opponents in a high-stakes competition on North American soil, with Liga MX teams failing to reach the finals in the past two years.
The saturation of soccer events, including FIFA-hosted matches and the Premier League’s “Summer Series” in overlapping cities, may have impacted attendance. The early rounds of the tournament drew an average of just 16,631 fans, significantly below MLS’s regular season average of 21,747. Notably, only 5,709 spectators attended the match between San Diego FC and Mazatlán, which ended in defeat for San Diego.
The first round’s final match did little to capture audience interest, as only four out of 18 teams from both leagues successfully made it to the quarterfinals.
Henry Martin quickly helped Club America recover from their League Cup exit. (Photo: Alex Goodlett – via Leagues Cup/MLS Getty Images)
Most Liga MX giants were eliminated early; Club América, Chivas, and Monterrey were out after three matches. Similarly, defending champions Columbus Crew exited the tournament early despite securing seven points across their three group games. Last year’s finalist, LAFC, along with FC Cincinnati, the Supporters’ Shield winner, are also out of the tournament, leaving a significant gap among MLS’s elite.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami remains a strong contender. Fans hope he will be fit to play against the established Liga MX team Tigres in Fort Lauderdale on August 19 or 20.
The Seattle Sounders join Inter Miami in representing MLS at the upcoming Club World Cup, alongside last year’s MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy, and Liga MX representatives Toluca, Pachuca, and Puebla. The specific dates and times for the quarterfinal matchups will be announced shortly.
Quarterfinal Preview
Inter Miami vs. Tigres
Messi contributed two assists in the opening match, but a leg injury sidelined him for a portion of Miami’s second League Cup game. Despite this, the team continued to advance, overcoming Pumas 3-1 in a comeback fueled by a standout performance from new player Rodrigo de Paul.
This marks Miami’s second knockout stage reach in a major international club tournament this summer; they previously exited the Club World Cup to Paris Saint-Germain, the eventual finalists.
Tigres, a formidable opponent, has claimed six Liga MX titles since 2011 and features Ángel Correa, a notable player who has scored four goals in three matches.
Lionel Messi was sidelined due to minor injuries but is anticipated to return for the League Cup quarterfinals. (Photo: Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
Seattle Sounders vs. Puebla
The Sounders have been the standout team in the tournament so far, winning all three group stage matches in regulation. Their 7-0 victory against Cruz Azul was especially remarkable, showcasing their dominance over both Santos Laguna and Tijuana.
Puebla, however, has struggled, finishing second last in Liga MX last season and losing two of their three games so far.
LA Galaxy vs. Pachuca
The Galaxy are grappling with challenges in their domestic league, currently at the bottom of MLS standings. Despite this, they have excelled in the League Cup, defeating both Tijuana and Santos Laguna and winning a shootout against Cruz Azul. They aim to add another trophy to their storied history.
Marco Reus and LA Galaxy might be struggling in the regular season, but their League Cup run is still alive. (Photo: Liza Rosales/ISI Photo/ISI Photo via ISI Photo)
Orlando City vs. Toluca
Orlando City has shown resilience and will face a stern test against Toluca, who have been strong contenders. The Red Devils progressed by defeating CF Montreal and NYCFC in regulation and overcoming Crew via penalty shootout, earning the top spot in the Liga MX bracket.
Doug McIntyre I am a soccer reporter for Fox Sports who has covered both theUS Men’s and Women’s National Teams at the FIFA World Cup on five continents. Follow him @byugmcinty.
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The 2025 Leagues Cup has progressed to its quarterfinal stage, now featuring just four teams from MLS and Liga MX. It’s an opportune moment to assess the tournament.
The restructured format, featuring a reduced number of MLS teams and solely inter-league matches until the quarterfinals, has led to stronger competition among teams. Yet, despite these enhancements, MLS clubs continue to outshine their Liga MX counterparts in this North American competition, which has seen Mexican teams fail to reach the finals for two consecutive years.
Competition across multiple soccer events, such as FIFA-hosted matches and the Premier League’s “Summer Series,” has created an overabundance that may have affected fan turnout. The average attendance of 16,631 in the initial rounds was notably below the MLS’s usual average of 21,747 spectators. For instance, only 5,709 attendees turned out for the match where San Diego FC faced Mazatlán.
The final matches of the first round failed to captivate too many fans, as only four out of the 18 teams from both leagues advanced to the quarterfinals.
Henry Martin’s timely recovery helped Club America bounce back from their League Cup exit. Most notable Liga MX teams, including Club América, Chivas, and Monterrey, were eliminated after just three matches. On the MLS side, reigning champions Columbus Crew exited despite earning seven points in the group stage. Other MLS contenders, including last year’s finalist LAFC and Supporters’ Shield winner FC Cincinnati, also find themselves out of contention.
Conversely, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami remains a strong force and is anticipated to be fit for their upcoming quarterfinal against Tigres on August 19 or 20.
The Seattle Sounders also join Inter Miami in the Club World Cup alongside LA Galaxy, Toluca, Pachuca, and Puebla. The specific schedule for the quarterfinals will be released shortly.
### Quarterfinal Preview
**Inter Miami vs. Tigres**
Messi played a crucial role with two assists in the opening match, but a leg injury had him sidelined in the second League Cup game. Nevertheless, Inter Miami advanced past Pumas 3-1, buoyed by Rodrigo de Paul’s impressive performance.
This is Miami’s second appearance this summer in the knockout phase of a significant international tournament, though they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final earlier.
Tigres, a strong opponent known for their six Liga MX titles since 2011, features Ángel Correa, who leads the League Cup in goals scored.
**Seattle Sounders vs. Puebla**
The Sounders remain the only team in the tournament to win all three of their group stage matches without needing penalties. Their massive 7-0 win against Cruz Azul underscored their dominance as they faced Santos Laguna and Tijuana with relative ease.
Puebla, meanwhile, has had a rough run, finishing nearly at the bottom of Liga MX last season and losing two of their three matches in this tournament.
**LA Galaxy vs. Pachuca**
Struggling in their domestic league, the Galaxy have found success in the League Cup, aiming to win despite their current challenges. They defeated Tijuana and Santos Laguna, while also winning a shootout against Cruz Azul, hoping to add to their trophy cabinet.
**Orlando City vs. Toluca**
Orlando City faces strong competition from Toluca, who have performed well in the tournament. Toluca has proven resilient, securing their advance by defeating CF Montreal and NYCFC, and overcoming the Crew via penalty shootout.
### Fan Take
The progress of teams like Inter Miami under Messi showcases the growing popularity and competitive spirit of soccer in North America. Fans should pay close attention, as these matches will not only highlight emerging talent but also potentially redefine the landscape of soccer in the region.
