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Club América has etched its name in Mexican soccer history once again. On Dec. 15, Las Águilas achieved a feat no other team has accomplished since the introduction of short tournaments in 1996 — becoming the first tricampeón (Three-time champion) of the Liga MX short tournament era. This remarkable victory also marked the first time América claimed a championship away from Estadio Azteca, aside from the 1984-85 season when the final was played at a neutral venue.
“We are Three-Time Champions! América is confirmed as the best team in Mexico. A legendary team! Congratulations to the players, coaching staff, and management, but especially to the best fans in the country! I congratulate Monterrey and its fans for a great tournament,” said Club America owner, Emilio Azcarraga Jean en X.
With this latest win, América further solidified its place as Mexico’s most successful club, raising its total league titles to 16. The club’s championship history includes titles from the 1965-66, 1970-71, and 1975-76 seasons, as well as consecutive wins in 1983-84, 1984-85, and PRODE 1985. Other notable titles include those from the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons, along with victories in Verano 2002, Clausura 2005, and Clausura 2013. América also claimed the Apertura titles in 2014, 2018, 2023, and most recently, in 2024.
América’s path to the tricampeonato began with a title win in the Clausura 2023 under Brazilian head coach André Jardine. The squad defeated Tigres with a dominant 4-1 aggregate score in the final. Six months later, América triumphed over Cruz Azul 2-1 to claim the Apertura 2023. To complete the historic trilogy, América defeated Monterrey 3-1 in the final of the Apertura 2024.
The last time a team managed to win three consecutive league titles was in 1985, and it was none other than América itself. The 1983-85 Águilas were led by coaches Carlos Reinoso and Miguel Ángel López, with legendary players like Héctor Miguel Zelada, Alfredo Tena, and Daniel Brailovsky. The titles came with victories over Chivas, Pumas, and Tampico Madero, respectively.
Throughout the history of Mexican professional soccer, only three clubs have achieved a tricampeonato. The first was Guadalajara’s legendary “Campeonísimo” squad, which won four consecutive titles from 1958 to 1962 under Hungarian coach Arpad Fekete and later Mexican coach Javier de la Torre. Next came Cruz Azul, which dominated from 1971 to 1974 under coach Raúl Cárdenas. América followed with its 1983-85 run, and now, it has done it again, becoming the only club to do so in the short tournament era.
While Chivas remains the only club to have achieved a tetracampeonato (Four-Time Champion), América’s recent success has widened the gap between them and their rivals in terms of total league titles. América’s 16 titles place them ahead of Chivas, whose tally sits at 12.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated 2025 season, Inter Miami CF announced its second preseason match, set for Saturday, Jan. 18, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the team will face three-time LIGA MX champion Club América. This marks Inter Miami’s first visit to Las Vegas and their first match against the LIGA MX powerhouse. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. PST.
Santiago Baños, sport president of Club América, spoke about the importance of playing big matches in the United States, a way to bring closer the large amount of fans to the institution.
“We look forward to a competitive and exciting match, one that will benefit both clubs as we continue to grow and inspire our fans around the world,” he said. This game is the second preseason match for Inter Miami following their previously announced matchup against Orlando City SC on Feb. 14 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
