Soccer powerhouse FC Barcelona moved a step closer on Monday to playing a LaLiga match against Villarreal CF in Miami this season. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) approved a request from both clubs to move forward with planning the first overseas contest in the history of Spain's top flight.

La Liga has been trying to host a league match in the USA for a decade, and it could finally become a reality with a Barcelona vs Villarreal game later this year. But here’s why La Liga loves America so much.