It was a bit of a surprise not just for Inter Miami fans but all soccer fans in the US. MLS has opted out of sending its first teams to the US Open Cup. This also means that Lionel Messi will not be taking part in the competition next year. The fans may not consider it to be a big deal, keeping in mind the popularity of the tournament. But could this be a big deal for Messi’s Inter Miami career as he could be deprived of a major accolade?

The oldest soccer tournament in the USA received criticism from the MLS Chief Commissioner earlier this May for not meeting the standards of the highest level. MLS may again reconsider its stand in the next season, but missing out this season is a big blow for Messi.

Lionel Messi could leave an important achievement without the US Open Cup

Winning trophies is nothing new for Lionel Messi. The player is the most decorated person in soccer, winning 44 trophies. Even though every tournament is taken as an achievement for players, Messi’s losing out on a US Open Cup can add up to one of the trophies that he never won in his career. This will only be the third cup that Messi will miss out on in his senior club career. The Argentinian was not able to win the French Cup or the MLS, apart from the snubbed American trophy.

The Ballon d’Or winner played for just two clubs before Inter Miami. With a club career spanning almost two decades, Messi was able to win eight different club trophies. His dazzling trophy cabinet is filled with prestigious trophies like the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

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The player also won the Leagues Cup, and the national championships in Spain and France, along with other trophies like the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Trophée des Champions in France. However, the player would have also loved to add a Puskas award at an individual level. But what’s stopping the MLS from allowing Messi to play the seemingly deprioritized tournament?

Why is the MLS not competing in the US Open Cup?

US Soccer, who are the organizers of the US Open Cup, was earlier taken a dig by the MLS chief commissioner for not reflecting the aims of the highest level. Adding to the reason, the clubs were also facing a congested schedule, leading to difficulty in player management.

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Another major concern put forward was the low quality of the pitches, which could make it hard to attract sufficient viewers. But the main reason seems to be the priority of the tournament, which the MLS feels is not that high. On the whole, it could be considered a lost opportunity for Lionel Messi. Or maybe, with hindsight, it can reduce the burden on him. What do you think? Let us know in the answers.

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