Lionel Messi and his team-mates may soon be lining-up across the pond after epic La Liga agreement to play matches in the USA and Canada
La Liga confirm 15-year groundbreaking deal to play games across the pond
LA LIGA have agreed a ground-breaking deal to play a game each season in the United States or Canada.
The 15-year joint venture is being used to promote the league across the pond and is in partnership with International Champions Cup organisers Relevent.
Dates and locations are yet to be confirmed as well as the teams involved but Barcelona and Real Madrid will undoubtedly be the biggest marketing draws.
The company's chairman Stephen Ross, who owns NFL giants Miami Dolphins, said: "This extraordinary joint venture is the next giant leap in growing soccer’s popularity in North America.
"This unique relationship will create new opportunities for millions of North American soccer fans to experience the most passionate, exciting, and highest level of soccer in the world."
La Liga President Javier Tebas added: "We’re devoted to growing the passion for soccer around the world.
"This ground-breaking agreement is certain to give a major impulse to the popularity of the beautiful game in the US and Canada.
"Relevent has filled stadiums across the US with the International Champions Cup, we’re thrilled to partner with them on a joint mission to grow soccer in North America."
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The first La Liga game abroad could even be as soon as this season.
And there is even a possibility that the competition's biggest showdown - the El Clasico between Barca and Real - may be held Stateside in order to gain an instant audience.
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Relevent CEO Danny Sillman is the man who negotiated the deal, and he could not contain his excitement after agreeing the venture.
He said: “This partnership demonstrates La Liga’s vision and foresight to be the top soccer league in the world.
“Combining La Liga’s long tradition of excellence and unparalleled international reputation with Relevent’s expertise in this market will accelerate the growth and popularity of soccer in North America and La Liga’s global brand.”
Sillman thrashed out the agreement directly with La Liga International Development Director Oscar Mayo, who added: “Joining with Relevent to create La Liga North America is a major milestone in our international expansion strategy.
“This agreement ensures not only a bright future for soccer in North America, but also for La Liga and our clubs.”
The 2018/19 La Liga season gets underway this weekend.