Home Football US Soccer DENIES MLS NEXT Pro teams’ request to replace players in the 2024 US Open Cup… meaning Lionel Messi and pals will have a busy year with THREE domestic competitions plus the Copa America

US Soccer DENIES MLS NEXT Pro teams’ request to replace players in the 2024 US Open Cup… meaning Lionel Messi and pals will have a busy year with THREE domestic competitions plus the Copa America

Football — 12/20/2023

Major League Soccer has asked US Soccer to allow NEXT Pro clubs to replace first teams in the 2024 US Open Cup.

MLS requested the modification to address’several issues’ about domestic competition, such as minimising schedule congestion for players and allowing young talents an opportunity to participate in’meaningful’ competitions in front of fans.

Houston Dymano defeated Inter Miami in the final earlier this year. However, if MLS’s plea had been accepted, Lionel Messi and company would have missed the competition next year.

MLS NEXT Pro, which debuted in 2022, is made up of the reserve teams of MLS clubs and is part of the country’s third league system.

However, US Soccer announced on Wednesday that it would not allow MLS first teams to skip the competition. It means Messi and many others will now compete in the MLS, League Cup, US Open Cup, and Copa America next summer.

US Soccer has denied a request by MLS to allow NEXT Pro teams to play in the US Open Cup

US Soccer has dismissed MLS’s request to enable NEXT Pro teams to compete in the US Open Cup.

OFFICIAL U.S. SOCCER STATEMENT: Major League Soccer has requested to allow MLS Next PRO teams to represent MLS in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. After thoughtful consideration, we have informed MLS that the U.S. Soccer staff recommendation, which was adopted by the Pro League Taskforce, is that the request be denied. As we move forward, we will continue our review of the Open Cup to ensure it aligns with the U.S. Soccer strategic pillars. We remain committed to addressing the needs and concerns of all of our members, including MLS, and other stakeholders to enhance and improve the U.S. Open Cup.

‘After careful deliberation, we have advised MLS that the US Soccer staff recommendation, which has been approved by the Pro League Taskforce, is that the request be denied,’ according to a statement.

‘As we move forward, we will continue to assess the Open Cup to ensure that it conforms with the US Soccer Strategic Pillars.

‘We remain dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of all our members, including MLS, and other stakeholders in order to develop and improve the US Open Cup,’ says the organisation. 

In response, MLS issued its own statement outlining why the league desired the adjustment. 

Lionel Messi now faces playing in MLS, Leagues Cup, the US Open Cup and Copa America

Lionel Messi will now compete in the MLS, League Cup, US Open Cup, and Copa America. 

It stated that other options would be investigated and that its intention to offer young players greater opportunities would ‘ultimately’ benefit the US national team.

‘MLS took that step because it believes there are several essential goals and concerns that must be addressed in connection with the tournament, including developing young professional players and providing them with more opportunities to play in front of fans in meaningful competition in a tournament setting, prioritising player health and safety, reducing schedule congestion for MLS clubs, and increased investment from US Soccer,’ the statement read.

‘MLS is dedicated to finding a viable solution for the 2024 tournament and is trying to establish a path that fulfils its aims and concerns,’ the league said.

‘Moving forward, MLS will stay focused on creating opportunities for up-and-coming players, which is a critical component of the League’s player development strategy that ultimately benefits the US national team programme,’ said the league.