Javier Aquino Slams Leagues Cup Format as Tigres Maintain Perfect Start

Tigres Star Echoes Liga MX Concerns Over Tournament Balance

Tigres may be flying high in the Leagues Cup with two wins from two, but veteran winger Javier Aquino is in no mood to gloss over what he sees as a fundamental flaw in the competition’s structure. Speaking after his team’s latest victory, the 34-year-old joined a growing chorus of Liga MX players and managers who have openly criticised the tournament’s format, arguing it has never been truly balanced between MLS and Mexican clubs.

Under captain Guido Pizarro’s leadership, Tigres made light work of the Houston Dynamo before dispatching San Diego FC, with new signing Ángel Correa scoring a brace in both matches. But even as Tigres celebrated their perfect start, Aquino’s post-match comments in the mixed zone were pointed and unequivocal.

“I’ve never thought this tournament was balanced,” he said. “Honestly, fairness would be them having to come play at our place too, travel, leave their families and their homes. That would make things more even. But the rules are there and we have to respect them.”

The “Home Advantage” Debate

Aquino’s remarks tap into a grievance that has been simmering among Liga MX clubs since the Leagues Cup’s inception. The current format sees every single game staged in the United States, meaning MLS teams often enjoy home-field advantage—or at the very least, local familiarity—while Mexican sides must endure constant travel.

While some MLS teams have been able to play in their own stadiums, Liga MX clubs have faced a nomadic existence, hopping from city to city across the U.S. with no chance of hosting a game in Mexico. That dynamic, Aquino and others argue, inevitably tilts the playing field.

From a logistical standpoint, the imbalance is clear. MLS teams sleep in their own beds and train at their own facilities, while Mexican clubs rack up air miles and live out of hotels. For players, that means less recovery time, more fatigue, and a greater mental toll over the course of the tournament.

Pride and Responsibility

Tigres celebrated their perfect start, Aquino

Despite the perceived disadvantage, Aquino insists Tigres are embracing the challenge. For him, representing Liga MX on foreign soil comes with a sense of duty.

“We have to show the level the Mexican league is known for and try to uphold the reputation of both the league and our club,” he said. “We’re trying to do our best and represent Tigres properly.”

That commitment has been evident in Tigres’ performances so far. They have approached each match with intensity and precision, refusing to use the travel demands as an excuse. In fact, their form has been so strong that they remain one of the few teams to boast a perfect record heading into the final round of the group stage.

Ángel Correa’s Instant Impact

A major factor in Tigres’ success has been the seamless integration of Ángel Correa, who joined from Atlético de Madrid this summer. The Argentine forward has hit the ground running, scoring four goals in two matches and forming an instant connection with his teammates.

Captain Guido Pizarro was quick to praise Correa’s adaptation: “I’m happy for Ángel, he’s getting more comfortable every day—credit to the group for helping him settle. We’ve only played two games, nothing is decided yet, it’ll all come down to the last match.”

Correa’s quality in tight spaces, combined with his finishing touch, has given Tigres a clinical edge. For a side that often dominates possession, having a forward who can turn half-chances into goals is proving invaluable.

A Growing Rivalry Between Leagues

While the format debate continues, there’s no denying that the Leagues Cup has intensified the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX. Matches between clubs from the two leagues are fiercely contested, with bragging rights extending beyond the pitch and into the fan bases on both sides of the border.

This year’s competition has already delivered high-quality football, dramatic moments, and plenty of talking points. But for many in Mexico, including Aquino, the spectacle would be even more compelling if the competition were structured more equitably.

The Road Ahead for Tigres

Columbus Crew v LAFC – Final: Leagues Cup 2024

Tigres’ final group stage match will be a stern test: a trip to BMO Stadium to face LAFC next Tuesday. The Los Angeles side, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, will be determined to dent Tigres’ perfect record.

For Aquino and his teammates, it’s another chance to make a statement—not only about their own ambitions in the tournament but also about the strength of Liga MX as a whole. A win would secure them top spot in the group and carry them into the knockout rounds with maximum momentum.

Final Word

Tigres UANL v FC Juarez – Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX

Aquino’s candid comments have added fuel to an already heated conversation about the fairness of the Leagues Cup. While Tigres continue to let their performances do most of the talking, their winger’s words reflect a broader frustration among Mexican clubs who feel the odds are stacked against them.

Yet, in true competitor’s fashion, Aquino and Tigres are not backing down. They are embracing the challenge, thriving under the pressure, and aiming to show that even in an unbalanced contest, quality and determination can still prevail.

If they keep winning, the debate over fairness may rage on—but Tigres will be too busy chasing the trophy to let it slow them down.