Rodrigo De Paul, Argentine midfielder and current Inter Miami player, set social media and soccer debates alight by claiming that winning MLS is more difficult than winning the Champions League, Europe's premier club competition. The statement was widely circulated on social media and in sports media after the player compared the demands of the two tournaments, challenging the traditional perception of which is more difficult to win.

Although this statement may sound surprising to many soccer fans - especially in Europe - De Paul argues that the structure of soccer in the United States imposes a particular level of demand that is not always appreciated from the old continent.

De Paul and his comparison between MLS and Champions League

Rodrigo De Paul did not mince words when talking about the competitive format of MLS, highlighting that the combination of a long regular season and a final playoff system makes winning the title extremely demanding.

His central argument was:

I think it's harder to win MLS than the Champions League

Rodrigo De Paul

He also pointed out that the MLS format forces teams to compete consistently throughout the regular season and then face direct elimination in the playoffs, where any mistake can mean elimination.

This perspective focuses on how each championship demands different tactical and mental skills: while the Champions League combines group stages and two-legged knockout rounds, offering room to recover from a defeat, MLS requires consistently high performance over a long schedule and then fighting it out in single-elimination rounds.

Why did his comment generate so much debate?

The comparison between winning MLS and the Champions League touches on considerable sporting sensitivity because traditionally the Champions League is more prestigious globally, bringing together Europe's most powerful clubs with squads packed with international stars.

However, De Paul's view has been interpreted as a defence of the MLS's competitive value and the toughness of its schedule, something that many followers of American soccer have celebrated as they believe that the North American league is still struggling to gain respect on the world stage.

The context of his statements

De Paul, MLS Cup champion with Inter Miami in 2025, has experienced first-hand the rigors of the season in the United States, which probably influenced his opinion.

Key points from De Paul's comments:

• He pointed out that the MLS format demands consistency and a constant competitive mentality.
• He remarked that in MLS every mistake can cost the season because of the knockout system of the playoffs.
• His statement does not seek to deny the prestige of the Champions League, but rather to highlight the particular challenge of soccer in the United States.

What do fans and experts think?

Opinions are divided: some agree with De Paul that the MLS format can be more relentless in terms of regularity and consistency, while others argue that the quality and competitive level of the Champions League is still higher, given the concentration of the best teams in the world.

In any case, the Argentine footballer's comments have generated an interesting debate about how different club competitions are perceived and what it really means to be a champion in such different contexts of world football.