There was no controversy or scandal, no infuriating antics or traditional Concacaf shenanigans. This time, it simply was about Mexico’s team of the decade and its relentless and inevitable star striker, refusing to be denied a continental crown after years of agonizing disappointment.
MLS clubs know something about falling short in the Concacaf Champions League. So does Tigres UANL, the seven-time Liga MX champion that lost the tournament final in 2016, 2017 and 2019. After earning a fourth crack at the title, Tigres wasn’t going to be denied by Los Angeles FC, a talented and capable MLS side that just hadn’t paid similar international dues.