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Soccer fans around the world have been left disappointed. Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will not be participating in the 2024 edition of the US Open Cup. The oldest tournament in the country will not be featuring Inter Miami or any other first-division team’s squad. Instead, it will be featuring teams from the MLS Next Pro. The decision has not at all gone down well with the fans disappointed that they cannot watch their favorite stars in action.
The last edition of the US Open Cup saw Houston Dynamo overcome Inter Miami in the final. The decision to oust MLS teams was not a sudden act of impulse, however, the fans were quick to put forward their sentiments.
Fans react as Inter Miami and MLS teams out of the US Open Cup
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MLS commissioner Don Garber stated that the tournament is not a reflection of what they are aiming for. Moreover, the tournament also contributed to issues concerning fixture congestion. The pitches in use have been criticized as well. Thus ultimately, impacting the fan appeal of the tournament as a whole.
Regardless, the majority of the fans have not responded well to the decision to remove MLS teams from the US Open Cup. Amid all the critique, a surprising few have looked at it positively. Here’s how they reacted.
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This particular fan looked quite disappointed at the news and didn’t hold back in his words as he termed the decision a ‘disgrace’ of a call.
An absolute disgrace, and one final alienating blow to an entire subset of fans who already cast a critical eye at MLS to begin with. And who can blame them? Ridiculous, man. https://t.co/t6yZzxDhoM
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) December 15, 2023
Others also added that is a backward step for the MLS as one of the most prestigious tournaments won’t be featuring the first division. Do you agree with them?
So the longest running soccer tournament in the 🇺🇸 will no longer feature its top league.
Wow MLS is going backwards here.
— Daniel Solana (@danisolana5) December 15, 2023
Also, the current format of the tournament offered young and new clubs an opportunity to rub hands with the big MLS sides.
Disappointed in this decision by @MLS
Their top clubs participation is an incredible boost to clubs in smaller markets, such as the club in our community, @GVLTriumph
— Football Fanatix Of Greenville (@GVLFanatix) December 16, 2023
Likely, the US Open Cup won’t be quite as exciting this time around.
US Open Cup was the most entertaining part of the MLS Season in my opinion, this is lame
— Kai (@NFL_Sentiments) December 15, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer with Unbridled Joy
Could the Apple TV deal have played a role in removing MLS teams from the US Open Cup?
This is happening because of tv rights nothing else. Apple TV wants every MLS game so they will give you a developmental team and take the main teams next year with a tv deal
— Ethan DOtson (@Scruffy_ED) December 16, 2023
This fan has a positive response to the move as he believes it will aid the development of the MLS Next players and help with the packed fixtures.
Honestly wins all around. Lessens schedule congestion, evens the playing field, and gives MLSNP players some more competitive matches.
— That Guy (@animere) December 15, 2023
The sentiment was also echoed by another fan who believes the USL now has a better chance to make the CCC (CONCACAF Champions Cup).
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This is the right move for MLS. After Chicharito injury many knew this was eventually going to happen. This gives USL a better opportunity to make the CCC. This will also improve player development in MLSNP as they now will compete against real professionals every season
— AkWu (@akwuchronicles) December 15, 2023
The decision to remove the MLS sides from a prestigious domestic competition is indeed surprising. Imagine the Premier League asking the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, etc to skip the FA Cup. However, considering how the decision has been taken based on fixture congestion and player wellbeing in mind, it is best to wait and watch the tournament play out before taking a firm stance.
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Are you disappointed to see Inter Miami and Lionel Messi out of the US Open Cup? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Daniel D'Cruz
