WHAT HAPPENED
Former MLS players Dax McCarty and Taylor Twellman assert that Inter Miami`s performances during the Club World Cup group stage serve as strong evidence that the league`s teams are not significantly trailing behind top European competitors. Inter Miami successfully advanced to the CWC knockout rounds, while their MLS counterparts, LAFC and Seattle Sounders, were eliminated at the group stage.
Speaking on The Overlap US podcast, McCarty highlighted the importance of MLS teams securing victories in demanding matches, referencing Miami`s win against Porto in the CWC. “If we aspire to measure ourselves against the world`s best and aim to regularly contend with clubs from the premier leagues globally, then winning games like this is essential,” McCarty stated. “To genuinely demonstrate that we can compete or are progressing towards that goal, you must achieve wins. And Inter Miami accomplished that… Considering FC Porto`s stature, their history, dominance in the Portuguese league, and regular participation in the Champions League, this outcome represents a monumental achievement for MLS as a whole.”
McCarty also suggested that the Seattle Sounders earned praise from some observers and fans for their efforts, despite suffering three losses. He commented, “If Seattle maintains this level of consistency and performance in MLS play, replicating the output seen from players like Jackson Reagan, Christian, and Obed Vargas, they won`t merely qualify for the playoffs easily, but will also challenge Vancouver and LAFC for the top spot in the Western Conference – and potentially even the Supporter’s Shield.”
WHAT TAYLOR TWELLMAN SAID
Taylor Twellman, who earned 30 caps for the USMNT, argued that consistent victories against Liga MX teams are necessary for MLS to firmly establish itself as the leading league in North America. “The most crucial objective for MLS is to become the premier league on this continent,” Twellman declared. “Achieving this necessitates consistently overcoming Liga MX opponents in the most significant, high-pressure matches. Currently, US-based MLS teams have not consistently demonstrated this ability.”
Nonetheless, he acknowledged the positive impact of Inter Miami`s displays against both Porto and Palmeiras in the Club World Cup. “I view this as a pivotal moment for MLS,” he remarked. “And for Inter Miami specifically – including Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez – everyone involved recognizes it… The Commissioner is present, the owners are observing, and they are realizing, `We have now reached a threshold where genuine competition is possible.`”
He cautioned against overstating the result, adding, “I`m not going to be naive or a `prisoner of the moment` and suggest they will defeat Porto in the majority of future encounters… [but] this situation is exceptionally significant to me because it provides precisely the affirmation MLS needed and the counter-argument required for its detractors. It clearly shows that MLS teams are not far behind.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Club World Cup has provided an unparalleled opportunity for direct comparisons between MLS teams and top-tier global opposition. The strategic approaches and competitive spirit displayed by both Inter Miami and Seattle suggest systemic advancements within the league, rather than simply isolated positive outcomes.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Having successfully progressed from the group stage, Inter Miami`s next challenge in the Club World Cup will be against the reigning Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
