Argentina's youth soccer model, exemplified by Newell's Old Boys in Rosario, offers affordable training, contrasting sharply with the expensive "pay-to-play" system prevalent in the United States. Newell's charges minimal fees, around $25 monthly, or provides scholarships, enabling players from diverse economic backgrounds, including superstar Lionel Messi in his youth, to develop their skills. This approach is crucial as many of Argentina's top talents originate from low-income families.

Argentine clubs fund their youth academies through professional team revenues from ticket sales and broadcasting rights, alongside significant transfer fees from young players moving to other clubs. This contrasts with U.S. youth clubs, which are largely excluded from such transfer payments, relying heavily on parent fees. U.S. coaches Rory O'Neill and Filippo Silva advocate for an "open ecosystem" with promotion and relegation, similar to Argentina's structure, to incentivize investment in youth development and diversify revenue streams. This systemic change could significantly enhance the United States' soccer potential by broadening access to the sport.