Alan Pulido says MLS still cannot surpass LigaMX despite international recognition

Former Liga MX and current MLS player Alan Pulido has revealed he believes the top league in Mexico is still more challenging than the USA’s.

Many players and coaches have speculated on both leagues, but Pulido is one of few current players who can speak to the extent of Liga MX and MLS due to his lengthy experience.

When asked by 90min about the innate differences between the leagues, Pulido maintained the two are quite challenging in different ways before disclosing the superior.

“I came from Liga MX, and realistically it is a very competitive league. It’s not easy, any team can be successful and be champions,” he said during the weekly press conference.

“Mexico is very technical with more quality, but the MLS has a mentality in terms of players and the ability to face each game with a different mentality. MLS continues to be more recognized internationally, but still cannot surpass Liga MX. They’re close, but not yet equal.” 

Pulido started his football career in Mexico with the Tigres UANL in 2010. He played in Mexico for four years before departing to Greece with Levadiakos before transferring to Olympiacos. Pulido eventually made his way to Liga MX when signing for C.D. Guadalajara from 2016 to 2019.

His time in Mexico was not short, featuring in over 200 matches total throughout seven years. He explained his time there as a ‘technically-focused’ game.

Pulido made his way stateside in 2020, signing for Sporting Kansas City as a much anticipated Designated Player. He’s made 19 appearances for the team thus far, providing ten goals and six assists. Pulido is currently tied for third top MLS goalscorer of 2021, behind former Liga MX stars Chicharito and Raul Ruidiaz.

The Sporting Kansas forward went on to praise the league’s development.

He added: “The reality is MLS is a league that has grown over time and looks super different now, so much that big-name players now join. It is no longer the league used to step down, but as a stepping stone forward.”