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Chicharito Signing Signals MLS' Growth, Could Draw Liga MX Fans
The Galaxy's offseason signing of F Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez "adds to the profile of MLS becoming a place where top-flight players are either using the league as a stepping stone or a place to finish out the last years of their primes," according to Alex Vejar of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. Hernandez joins a "litany of elite footballers who currently play or have played in the MLS," including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and current LAFC F Carlos Vela. While those players brought "significant interest to MLS from other parts of the world, Hernandez could be someone that surpasses them in that aspect." Liga MX is still the most-watched soccer league in the U.S., and Hernandez’ Mexican heritage "will likely boost interest in him and the league all across the country." MLS has "taken clear steps to compete with Liga MX in various ways." It "started the Leagues Cup last season, which pits MLS and Liga MX teams against each other during the MLS season." And the '20 MLS All-Star game will "feature the best players" from both leagues (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2020/02/26/chicharito-is-latest/" target="_blank">SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 2/28</a>). USA TODAY's Jim Reineking wrote the Galaxy's signing of Hernandez is "one of the most significant player acquisitions in league history" (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/02/26/major-league-soccer-preview-five-story-lines-follow-season/4854535002/" target="_blank">USA TODAY, 2/27</a>).
