Mexico Star Rejects Liga MX Homecoming, Chooses MLS Path to Secure World Cup Dreams
Among Mexico's most talented emerging soccer stars, Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas has declared that his "main focus is moving to Europe" and revealed he declined an approach from Liga MX powerhouse Club America.
The 20-year-old has featured in 92 MLS matches for Seattle following his 2021 debut and has recorded four goals along with 12 assists. In 2025, he claimed the number one position in MLS's yearly 22 Under 22 player rankings.
His deal runs until the conclusion of the 2026 MLS campaign, during which he may serve a crucial function with the Pacific Northwest franchise and potentially secure a place on Mexico's national squad for the 2026 World Cup.
"[America] made contact, but my main focus is moving to Europe," Vargas stated in a conversation with ESPN. "My deal with the Sounders concludes at the end of this year, so if [a European transfer] doesn't materialize before then, the plan is at year's end."
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, but holding citizenship in both the United States and Mexico, Vargas has pledged his international allegiance to El Tri and recently received his first national team appearance as a 65th-minute replacement against Uruguay in November.
With Seattle, he contributed three goals and five assists across 26 MLS matches in 2025, cementing an essential midfield position and participating in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, where the Sounders defeated Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, who later became MLS Cup winners.
Vargas's World Cup Aspirations
Together with young talent Gilberto Mora, Vargas may get the chance to compete in multiple World Cup competitions within the next year if he earns selection to Javier Aguirre's roster for the World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
In 2025, he participated in the U20 World Cup, serving a crucial function as Mexico reached the quarterfinals before falling to eventual winners Argentina, spearheaded by another MLS prospect in Inter Miami's Mateo Silvetti.
That impressive showing secured him a place with El Tri in the autumn, positioning him for additional chances in the remaining four exhibition matches before Mexico begins World Cup action on June 11 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.
"The November training camp treated me well. I had a solid camp. I elevated my profile within the group," Vargas explained. "There's only a limited number of players who can make the final roster, so being present means you have an opportunity for World Cup selection.
"They advise us to stay healthy, maintain fitness and keep playing, that'll provide the optimal chance of squad inclusion. Those are my objectives this year, stay healthy, maintain fitness and keep playing."
To achieve his ambitious objectives, though, he must continue delivering strong performances with the Sounders, who begin the 2026 MLS regular campaign on Feb. 22 at home versus the Colorado Rapids, while also participating in Concacaf Champions League and Leagues Cup against Liga MX clubs, showcasing other El Tri representatives, before pursuing overseas opportunities.
"The Concacaf Champions League and Leagues Cup have proven significant tournaments because many players in that role compete in Liga MX, so it's been valuable to participate in those fixtures," Vargas told TUDN. "The ideal scenario is that securing a European move will greatly enhance my chances of being selected."