If you follow soccer in the U.S. and Mexico, you already know that the Campeones Cup has become the ultimate showdown between the titans of MLS and Liga MX. Since 2018, this tournament has pitted the champions of each league against each other, creating a battlefield to determine who's boss in North America. So far, Mexico's been running the show, with a few epic twists in favor of MLS teams. Who’s taking the trophy in 2024—Columbus Crew or América?
Let’s cut to the chase, because the recent history of the Campeones Cup has already given us plenty to chew on. In 2023, Tigres showed exactly why they’re one of the most feared clubs in Liga MX, taking home the trophy after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against LAFC. The game ended 0-0, but it all came down to those tiny details—or as we like to say, the nerves of steel from the guys taking those spot-kicks. Tigres won 4-2, and honestly, it wasn’t all that surprising. These guys have a knack for pulling off wins when nobody sees it coming.
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Now, let's look at the cold hard facts: three titles for the U.S., two for Mexico. If you just looked at the scoreboard, you’d think MLS is gaining ground and dominating this tournament. But reality’s a bit more complicated. Tigres won twice, and in 2019, América barely missed out against Atlanta United. Remember that wild 3-2 win for Atlanta? It was a crazy game. América seemed like they were gonna take control, but the Georgia team flipped the script in a way that still leaves a bitter taste for Mexican fans.
That said, the Mexican dominance isn’t bulletproof like some might believe. What Columbus Crew pulled off in 2021 against Cruz Azul was a clear signal that U.S. soccer is stepping up big time. They sent a strong message, winning 2-0 with a combination of grit and tactical discipline that silenced the doubters. But the question remains: are these American victories just exceptions, or are they becoming the new normal?
Tigres, with all their history, have proven more than once that Mexican soccer still has a competitive edge in the Campeones Cup. The feline squad comes in with this mix of raw talent and an unshakable belief in their superiority on the continent. Even when things don’t look great—like in 2023 when LAFC seemed to be on top—they always find a way to snag the title. That’s the champion’s mindset. You can have a technically better team, but if you don’t have your head in the game, that trophy’s not going to your display case.
But why is it that, even with the U.S. winning three out of five editions, it still feels like the Mexican teams are in charge? Well, the thing is, Mexican clubs carry a weight of tradition. They step onto the field with this aura that they’re there to win, and even though MLS clubs have thrown some serious punches, they’re still working on locking down that same giant status. Sure, MLS has grown a lot in recent years, but there’s still this sense that Mexican teams aren’t quite ready to give up their throne just yet. And Liga MX? It’s easily one of the most competitive leagues in the Americas—no denying that.
When you see América back in the final in 2024, it’s hard not to feel like the Mexicans are gearing up to add another star to their badge. But if recent history’s taught us anything, it’s that soccer’s full of surprises, and MLS has shown it’s far from being underestimated. Columbus Crew knows what it takes to win, having beaten Cruz Azul in 2021, and they’re coming into this final ready for battle. This one’s shaping up to be a full-on war.
One of the most intriguing things about these matchups is the clash of styles. In recent years, MLS has been all about fast, dynamic, physical play. Teams like LAFC, NYCFC, and Atlanta United have injected fresh blood into the league, blending rising young stars with seasoned veterans from Europe and Latin America. Meanwhile, Liga MX clubs like Tigres and América bring this deadly mix of pinpoint technique and big-game experience. What makes MLS vs. Liga MX so exciting is that, in the end, it might just come down to who can set the pace first.
The Campeones Cup, even though it’s still young, already has a treasure trove of epic stories showing just how evenly matched these teams can be. We’ve seen games that seemed locked up get turned on their heads in just minutes. So, will this Mexican dominance continue, or is U.S. soccer ready to take center stage on the continent?
The 2024 final between Columbus Crew and América could be a turning point. If América wins, Mexico reclaims the top spot with full force. But if Columbus pulls off another 2021-style victory, MLS might really start to feel like the dominant league. An American win would be a huge confidence boost for U.S. soccer, which has been grinding hard to become a true powerhouse.