The former Arsenal player was a key piece for Mexico’s national team for a long time. Vela played a total of 72 games, scoring 19 goals and providing 9 assists, he also managed to play in two World Cups, the one in 2010 and 2018, but was never able to participate in the Copa America.

Mexico will try to reverse the image they left in their last Copa America participation, back in 2016, when they suffered their worst defeat in history, losing 7-0 to Chile. However, Carlos Vela will not be part of this redemption.

Carlos Vela out of Copa America 2024

The former Real Sociedad player will not be part of Mexico’s squad for Copa America 2024 because he is not considered by the coach, a personal decision.

Last time Vela played for Mexico was back in Russia’s 2018 World Cup, when El Tri lost 2-0 against Brazil in the quarter finals. Since then, he has never been called up for the team in any competition or friendly match.

In addition, the player is currently a free agent as his contract with Los Angeles FC has expired, and he will not be part of the team for next season.

Luchi Gonzalez’s side was a wildcard team in 2023 but was eliminated in the play-in round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. In 2023 San Jose had a near .500 record at 10-10-14.

The Earthquakes have some talented players on their roster with Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse, Jackson Yueill, and Carlos Gruezo, but now the club is ready to spend big on Carlos Vela.

How much will Carlos Vela earn with SJ Earthquakes?

According to Fernando Cevallos, Vela would be announced sometime Friday with the San Jose Earthquakes, according to Cevallos, Vela turned down the LA Galaxy, but he is set to earn a major salary.

According to El Futbolero, Vela is set to sign a contract that will see him earn $3 million annually. In Mexico the possible move to San Jose was frowned upon as a step down for Vela who is leaving LAFC, a team accustomed to fighting for titles to “live well” at San Jose, a team according to one reporter, “has done nothing in a decade”.

Carlos Vela is 35 years old and has played six seasons with LAFC showing a considerable decline in form the last three seasons. Still Vela has 93 goals in 187 games and is winner of 1 MLS Cup and 2 Supporters Shields in MLS with LAFC.

Vela was also an All-Star and Best XI on three occasions, without question Vela is the best Mexican player to ever play in Major League Soccer.

Following the U-17 FIFA World Cup of 2005 in Peru, in which Mexico won the title, Vela was immediately signed by Arsenal to a five-year deal. As a prospect of the Gunners, he played on loan with teams such as Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich.

Then, Vela’s career was revamped at Real Sociedad in a magnificent tandem with Antoine Griezmann. The Spanish club paid his transfer fee and he spent six years in San Sebastian.

Now, although Carlos Vela is one of the best players in MLS, his contract with LAFC has expired. That’s why he is one of the most coveted free agents and Liga MX could make a big push to bring him home.

Cruz Azul are interested in Carlos Vela

Cruz Azul are one of the biggest teams in Liga MX alongside Club America and Chivas. However, because of the lack of results, a massive rebuilding process in under way with the Martin Anselmi as new coach.

They’ve already signed striker Gabriel Fernandez, who was sensational during the last semester with Pumas UNAM. Now, Cruz Azul might want a big partner for him.

According to a report from TUDN, Cruz Azul might be ready to make an offer for Carlos Vela. If the transfer for Alexis Vega falls apart, the star from the MLS is an option.

Will Carlos Vela stay in MLS?

Carlos Vela is 34-years old and the big problem for LAFC to retain him is that they won’t resign him as a designated player. In this scenario, the Mexican star would have to take a massive pay cut to stay in Los Angeles. No one knows if he’ll accept that.

In the MLS, teams have three spots for designated players who can receive massive contracts. However, with age as a key factor, LAFC won’t give that treatment to Vela in case they sign a younger star.

“My part is there. But if the other part doesn’t work or doesn’t work in the way that I want, I won’t be here. I want to return, but I don’t decide that. It’s not my choice. Of course I love LA. I want to stay in LA and my goal is to stay in LA.”

The club’s first major DP and winner of 1 MLS Cup and 2 Supporters Shields. Vela’s MLS numbers are impressive and is the best output by a big-name Mexican signing ever, 93 goals in 186 matches. Basically, Carlos Vela is the best Mexican player ever to play in Major League Soccer.

After the 2023 season the legendary player’s contract with the club will end and there has been a lot of discussion if Vela is set to step aside at LAFC.

Carlos Vela on his future

“Everybody knows how happy I am in L.A., how happy I am in this team,” Vela said to ESPN. “But it’s a job, it’s a business. We know sometimes it [doesn’t work out] the way you want. We are two different sides, and we have to be on the same page. But I’m not thinking about that, I’m just thinking about the final and the big chance we have to win the trophy.”

Vela continued, “After that we will have time to talk and see if something works. If it doesn’t, everybody will be on their way, and we’ll have good memories and good history together.”

Vela has been consistent for the team over all but in the last two seasons visibly has lost a step, no longer as explosive as he was his first two seasons in the league. Unlike Javier Hernández, who has reportedly left the door open to playing for another MLS side, Vela is rumored to be heading elsewhere if he does not resign with LAFC.

LAFC vs Crew MLS Cup preview

LAFC will look to win their second MLS Cup, while the Columbus Crew want to win their third. Diego Rossi could be the x factor for the Crew due to his familiarity with LAFC and his impressive play since returning to MLS.

The MLS Cup final will be played on Saturday at 4PM EST and can be seen worldwide on Apple TV.

Undoubtedly, the season has been a roller coaster with key moments such as the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the debut of the Leagues Cup with teams from Liga MX and now the exciting match for the title.

Heading into the game next Saturday, Columbus Crew will arrive as slight favorites, although we cannot forget that LAFC are the reigning champions of the MLS.

One of the most important questions for thousands of soccer fans is how much money the winning team will take home. These are the numbers for the big game.

What is the prize money for the MLS Cup?

The MLS awards money to all participating teams depending on the round they reach throughout the season. In the case of the MLS Cup, the winning team will take home a prize of $300k, while the second-place will receive $150k.

For teams that reached the conference finals, the prize is $100k, those reaching the conference semifinals receive $47k, and those unable to qualify for the playoffs receive $20k.

Since his arrival to Los Angeles five years ago, he has scored almost 80 goals and, in 2019, Vela also gave the club a Supporters’ Shield and became the Most Valuable Player in the league.

Many would say that Carlos Vela is the player from Mexico with the greatest potential in history, but he personally decided not to take great risks. That’s why, especially looking for quality of life, retirement might be close for him.

Bad news for LAFC: Carlos Vela admits retirement date is close

After the U-17 FIFA World Cup of 2005 in Peru, in which Mexico won the title, Carlos Vela was immediately signed by Arsenal to a five-year deal. As a prospect of the Gunners, he played on loan with teams such as Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich.

Then, Vela’s career was revamped at Real Sociedad in a magnificent tandem with Antoine Griezmann. The Spanish club paid his transfer fee and he spent six years in San Sebastian.

Now, Carlos Vela is one of the best players in MLS with LAFC. However, in a surprising turn of events, he admitted retirement might be knocking on the door for him.

“With each passing year, retirement is closer. I’ve always said it and I don’t have any problem talking about that topic. I don’t know when, because in the end the mind and the body are the ones which decide when is the moment to stop, but, of course, I have only a few years left.”

Considering this scenario, Vela is trying to enjoy every moment on the field and cannot assure if his final club will be LAFC. “With retirement looming, I enjoy more playing. Each game is important for me. The place and where I’ll retire, I don’t know them yet. Right now, we’re in Los Angeles and I’m very happy. However, the future is not only in my hands.”

The MLS champions received a special guest at their home tonight. Joined by Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi appeared at BMO Stadium to face a tough challenge against LAFC.

Surprisingly, Inter Miami stunned Carlos Vela’s team with a shocking 3-1 final score. During the game, cameras caught LAFC’s captain raging against one of his teammates in a play that could have changed the whole game for his club.

WATCH: Carlos Vela rages against Denis Bouanga for not giving him the ball

Tonight was a complete disaster for LAFC. Even though they were seen as the favorites in the game against Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s magic was too much for the Californian squad.

Even though LAFC lost 3-1 against Inter Miami, things could have gone different. At the 8th minute, the home team had a clear opportunity to score, but Denis Bouanga didn’t pass the ball to Carlos Vela despite him being wide open, and the team’s captain raged against him for shooting instead.

There’s no doubt that Lionel Messi has garnered a lot of attention in the MLS. The 2022 FIFA World Cup champion signed with Inter Miami this summer, and the expectations for him were extremely high.

However, Messi has had no trouble living up to those expectations. The forward led his team to victory in the Leagues Cup, but he still faces a significant challenge in the form of the MLS, where Inter Miami needs to win almost every game to make it to the playoffs.

Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to w huge victory against LAFC with two assists

Lionel Messi has definitely brough a possitive change to Inter Miami, a squad that was really struggling to compete prior to his arrival. Now, his team was able to defeat the MLS champions, with an incredible performance by the former FC Barcelona player.

Inter Miami visited BMO Stadium today to face LAFC in a very tough challenge for Gerardo Martino’s squad. However, they had no problem to defeat the MLS champions, as Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba, and Leonardo Campana gave the victory to the Eastern Conference team.

In the last two goals, Lionel Messi appeared to assist his teammates. The Argentine forward found his old-time partner Jordi Alba running behind the back of LAFC’s defense, and the Spanish player finished it incredibly.

In the third goal of the night, Messi took advantage of a mistake made by his rival’s defense, took the ball all the way to the box, and then assisted Leonardo Campana, who scored with his left foot.

At the end of the game, Ryan Hollingshead appeared to put the only goal of the night for LAFC, but it was not enough. Inter Miami is still in the last places of the Eastern Conference, but this win is huge for their hopes of making it to playoffs.

The star from Argentina has been extraordinary scoring ten goals as Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, got a ticket to the Concacaf Champions Cup and reached the U.S. Open Cup final. Just amazing.

Now, before the long-awaited clash, Carlos Vela was asked if there’s a possible comparison between Messi and the previous effect Zlatan Ibrahimovic had in the MLS. The answer was tremendous.

Carlos Vela takes a massive shot at Zlatan Ibrahimovic

During a press conference before the match between Inter Miami and LAFC, Carlos Vela was asked by a reporter if, in the short time he’s been at the MLS, Lionel Messi is already as dominant as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was when the Swedish legend played for LA Galaxy.

“Zlatan dominated, but he didn’t win anything. I think in less time, Messi has already won. Those aren’t comparable things. Both are different players and have come in different situations. I don’t know. What do you want me to say?”

It’s important to remember that, a few years ago, Zlatan Ibrahimovic took a big shot against Carlos Vela when the Mexican star was dominating in the MLS. “By far (I’m the best player in MLS). Because if he is in his prime, how old is he? 29, he’s playing in MLS and is in his prime. When I was 29, where was I? In Europe. Big difference. Exactly.”

Of course, the biggest challenge for Messi right now is to produce a miracle and qualify for the playoffs. He’ll need all possible help from extraordinary players such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Now, in one of the most expected games of the year, LAFC will face Inter Miami. Before the match, Carlos Vela had a very controversial take about Lionel Messi and his arrival to the US.

Lionel Messi is not an extra motivation for Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela talked about the long-awaited game between Inter Miami and LAFC. However, according to the Mexican star, there’s no extra motivation in facing a legend such as Lionel Messi.

“No (there’s no extra motivation). The true motivation for me is just being able to play, being healthy and available for my team. That’s my motivation. Demonstrate each game that I’m a good player. To make fans enjoy. That’s my motivation. It doesn’t matter who I’m playing against. I don’t care the rival. I don’t have a special memory with Messi.”

Vela thinks all the hype around the match is just an invention by the media. He was visibly upset when more questions came about Lionel Messi. “I think this is more a narrative of yours (the media). You just want to lift things. We are going to play against a rival as we usually do each weekend.”

That’s why, as Giorgio Chiellini also said, it’s just another game for LAFC. “We’re gonna try to win and it doesn’t matter who is in front. What is created around a game is sometimes more than what really happens inside a team. We’re just focused in our work.”

Nevertheless, Carlos Vela indeed praised Lionel Messi. “To be the best player in the world, you have to do a lot of good things. It’s difficult to describe what is his best strength. Unique player. Unique things. Everybody is enjoying to have him here.”

When asked if he was surprised by Messi’s impact on Inter Miami, Vela admitted he’s not at all. “I would be shocked if he plays badly. It doesn’t matter in which part of the world he is. When you’re the best player, anywhere you’re at, you’re gonna be ok. For him to play well and Inter Miami improving, that’s normal.”

This isn’t a good context for Mexico to contend for the title. The 2023 Gold Cup finds them in a disorganized situation following the loss to the USMNT in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals a week ago.

The team won’t be led by Diego Cocca because the head coach was fired despite being hired this year. There weren’t good games played by Mexico during his brief stint, but it still seemed like the decision was based more on off-field issues.

There are going to be several big absences in the tournament from different teams. However, Carlos Vela should be included among the most important names. The LAFC striker won’t be representing his country.

Why isn’t Carlos Vela playing for Mexico?

The roster for the tournament was already set before Cocca was fired. However, he was out of it even before the later move. Vela is not playing for Mexico because he resigned from the national team in 2018. His last game was a round of 16 loss to Brazil in the World Cup played in Russia.