MLS invited to join Argentine FA’s USA party

The Argentine FA's new US marketing partners have opened the door to MLS and US Soccer joining the party.

The Cardenas Marketing Network have recently announced a multi-year marketing partnership with the Argentine FA (AFA) to stage a series of matches in the United States.

Part of the agreement will include promotional events built around international friendlies, with the focus not only on lifting the profile of Argentina's star players, but also in the process helping promote soccer throughout the 'States.

Henry Cardenas, the chief executive of CMN, admits they would love the opportunity to work with MLS and US Soccer to help promote the sport. He told tribalfootball.com: "It would be great to work together to promote the sport. But for the moment, we have not received any feedback from MLS or US Soccer."

Cardenas confirmed plans to stage promotional events around the internationals, so giving local soccer fans the chance to get close to stars like Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

"Yes, we will be announcing those in the near future," he said.

"Fans will have the opportunity to get up close to see their favorite players through sweepstakes promotions and other fan incentives."

The AFA have recognised the success of international tournaments involving clubs from Europe and South America - including Argentina - in recent years and are eager to get a foot-hold in the US soccer market

Cardenas explained: "Argentina wants to expand into newer markets, and the United States is the most rapid growing market for soccer. We feel that there will be many sponsors who will want to be associated with the AFA brand, which is one of the recognizable brands in world sports."

The AFA are keen to leverage the huge profile of their star players - and in the process US soccer fans will be handed the unique opportunity to see some of the game's greatest players regularly on home soil.

Cardenas has no doubt local soccer fans will be in for a treat and confirms he expects Messi, Tevez et al to be regular US visitors thanks to the ground-breaking agreement.

He added: "Argentina currently has some of the youngest and most talented players on their squad and they have a great following here in the States.

"These players have been and will continue to be major influencers of the sport."