📖 Leagues Cup 2024 Preview | OneFootball

Leagues Cup is back for its second go in the tournament’s current setup. Liga MX and MLS will go head to head over the next month to battle for not only Champions Cup and Club World Cup spots for 2025, but bragging rights in the region.

Let’s dig into some of the biggest stories in the tournament his summer.

Four favorites to win

1. Inter Miami

We, of course, have to start with Inter Miami, who took home the trophy in the 2023 edition of the tournament thanks to the brilliant introduction of Lionel Messi.

The Herons have found themselves at the top of MLS this go around, and will be a tough nut to crack for any team given the big moments that their stars can provide. Messi’s injury status is yet to be truly be revealed, but perhaps he can remain Tata Martino’s ace in the hole.

2. Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul have started the Apertura season in fine form, winning three of four games and only conceding once across those fixtures.

Martin Anselmi’s side will be out for revenge after a disappointing exit at the hands of Charlotte on penalties in 2023. The addition of former Atlanta striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has made Cruz Azul into a potential attacking juggernaut as they square off with MLS sides known for being top-heavy.

3. LAFC

The Black and Gold have shown flashes of being the best team in MLS at times this season, though a recent drubbing at the hands of the Columbus Crew poured cold water on the fire for the time being.

Yet a wounded animal is always liable to strike out, and that is exactly what Steve Cherundolo’s side could do at Leagues Cup. The prolific attacking duo of Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz can strike fear in the hearts of any rearguard in the tournament.

Add Olivier Giroud, who has been added to the roster ahead of the tournament, and LAFC could be cooking with gas.

4. Club América

The prestigious Mexican club come into the tournament as the odds-on favorites to win, though Mexican clubs have struggled on American soil as of late.

But with a rip-roaring attack lead by Henry Martín, and a defensive core bolstered by the signing of Igor Lichnovsky from Liga MX rivals Tigres, André Jardine’s men will be perhaps the toughest out of any Mexican side.

Their chances of winning have been given a slight bump by the fact that have been gifted a bye through the group stage as a result of accumulating the most points across the 2023 Apertura and Clausura campaigns in Liga MX.

One to player to watch from each league

Luciano Acosta – MLS

The league’s reigning MVP could have a major part to play in the tournament this summer, as FC Cincinnati are one of the toughest teams to beat in the league when the crafty forward is on his game.

Acosta has bagged a staggering 11 goals and 18 assists in MLS so far this season, and where Acosta goes, Cincinnati go too. Since his arrival in 2021, Cincinnati have never won an MLS game without Acosta.

Germán Berterame – Liga MX

Berterame has cemented himself as one of the top strikers in Mexico since joining Monterrey in 2022. The big forward has racked up a stunning tally of 40 goal contributions in 84 appearances in all competitions for the club, making himself nearly unplayable on some nights.

The 25-year-old is likely soon to move onto greener pastures in Europe as a result of his sterling performances in Mexico, and was the subject of big-money bids ranging up to $16 million from MLS clubs in the most recent winter transfer window.

What is on the line

While it is a new tournament in the grand scheme of things, there is plenty to play for in this summer.

The top-three teams from the tournament will automatically book their spots for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while simultaneously upping their chances of participating in the new-look FIFA Club World Cup.

MLS clubs have struggled mightily when playing Mexican opposition on Mexican soil, but with the tournament being played in the United States once again, Liga MX sides could have something to prove after a disappointing 2023 tournament.