From 1998 to 2003, the Mexican clubs competed in the Pre-Libertadores tournament as its qualification method, which consisted in two rounds.

In 2004, Mexico and Venezuela were granted automatic entries to the Copa Libertadores for the first time.

The FMF decided to create a national qualifying tournament for its last two spots, and the first InterLiga was held that January in the United States, during the off-season of the Primera División.

In order to assure a more neutral environment, and to take advantage of a large and relatively well-off pool of Mexican football fans, all matches were held in the United States in California and Texas, two states with large Mexican populations.

Mexican teams would not be eligible for the latter competition if they won the Libertadores because Mexico belongs to CONCACAF.