In a surprising twist for American soccer fans, global superstar Lionel Messi and his club Inter Miami will not be participating in this year's U.S. Open Cup. The tournament, historically known for its inclusivity and unpredictability, has seen a drastic reduction in the number of Major League Soccer teams. Instead of the usual lineup, only eight MLS teams will compete in what some are calling a streamlined version of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the US.
According to CBS Miami, the reduced MLS representation is a result of an adjustment in how teams are selected for the tournament. Previously, a broader swath of teams entered the early stages, with 18 MLS clubs joining in the third round and another eight in the fourth round last year. Now, teams will seed directly into the fourth round, with a focus on the top seven teams from last season's Supporters' Shield standings, that aren't partaking in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the current titleholders.
The defending champions Houston Dynamo beat Miami 2-1 in last year's final. While Messi's absence due to injury last season might have been a disappointment, the decision to exclude Inter Miami entirely this year will certainly leave fans wanting. The U.S. Soccer Federation has reportedly increased financial incentives and travel reimbursement to bolster participation, yet the allure of the Open Cup seems to be waning for some of MLS's top-tier talent.
Teams from MLS's new third-tier league, MLS Next Pro, are stepping up to fill the void, with AFP Sports noting on X that 11 teams from this developmental league will be included this year. It signals a shift in focus towards developing homegrown talent, over the marquee names that leagues traditionally rely on for drawing crowds. The second tier United Soccer League Championship is not shying away from the challenge, as all 24 teams will participate, ensuring that the competition remains fierce, and the cup's storied tradition of underdog victories remains a tantalizing possibility.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will not participate in the US Open Cup this season with just eight Major League Soccer clubs competing in the knockout competition, after a compromise deal between the league and the US Soccer Federation #AFPSports ⚽https://t.co/1nPboHJf8v
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 1, 2024
As for the timeline, the USSF has laid out the dates for each round, culminating in the championship match on September 25. The first round will kick off between March 19-21, further rounds will follow in April and May, with the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals spread throughout the summer months. While the Messi fans may be left out of the party this year, there’s plenty of action ahead for fans of the beautiful game looking to see who’ll next etch their names onto the historic trophy.
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