Columbus Crew playmaker Federico Higuaín has backed MLS clubs to compete in the Copa Libertadores.

There are reports of MLS joining the South American championship in 2015.

"I think it would be very important for MLS," Higuaín told MLSsoccer.com. "Competing against teams that have a long history would be a step forward. … I think when you compete, you get better and even moreso when you're able to compete against an entire continent and against different styles of soccer and different ways of living the sport. It can help all of us get better.

"I see it as a step forward to compete against teams from CONMEBOL, irrespective of whether an MLS team can win CONCACAF or not."