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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>U.S. Soccer announces Open Cup changes</li><li>Only eight MLS teams to appear</li><li>Sweeping changes arriving</li></ul>

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami out of 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as U.S. Soccer announces controversial format changes

For the first time since 2008 - after 16 years of progress an advancement in the tournament - U.S. Soccer has opted to revert to a format where the First Round of 32 matches will consist exclusively of amateur and professional teams.In addition, sweeping changes arrived in the form of Major League Soccer's participation. Only eight MLS sides will compete in the 2024 edition of the tournament, with 11 developmental MLS NEXT Pro sides as well.Sides competing in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup - and their MLS NEXT Pro sides - were excluded from participation, based on results from the 2023 MLS season. D.C. United is the lone MLS side without CCC or USOC participation.

WHAT HAPPENED?

32 amateur teams will meet 32 division-three teams in Round One, with the winners facing off against each other in the second round of the tournament. Round three will see 16 USL Championship sides enter the tournament and they will be paired with the 16 victorious sides from Round two.Then, the eight MLS teams - Houston Dynamo, Atlanta United FC, FC Dallas, Sporting Kansas City, LAFC, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders - will enter the fray. For an amateur side to be paired up against an MLS club, they will have to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.The changes arrive much to the dismay of players and managers around the league. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/worst-idea-usmnt-starlet-john-tolkin-brutal-response-mls-stance-2024-u-s-open-cup/bltd46feeb088af6597" target="_blank">New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin blasted MLS</a> over the rule changes prior to the announcement, while D.C. United is the lone club across MLS with ZERO representation in the tournament. Their developmental side does not play in MLS NEXT Pro, therefore they will have no participation at any level.Houston won the 2023 final against Inter Miami.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"First and foremost, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our members for their invaluable input over the past couple of months— sharing with us of the reasons the U.S. Open Cup is so great, and what we can do to make it even better,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “After extensive discussions, we have put together a competitive format specific to the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, promising exciting matchups from the First Round and through the entire tournament. U.S. Soccer values the tradition and importance of the U.S. Open Cup, and we will continue to have conversations with all our members to explore avenues for enhancing future editions of the tournament and how we all work together to grow soccer in every community in the country”.

WHAT U.S. SOCCER SAID

Round One will begin on Tuesday, March 19 with the final of the 2024 tournament wrapping up on Wednesday, September 25. MLS sides will not enter the tournament until Tuesday, July 9.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE U.S. OPEN CUP

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to not compete in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as U.S. Soccer announces format changes - with just eight MLS sides and 11 developmental MLS NEXT Pro sides to feature | Goal.com

U.S. Soccer has announced format changes to the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the sake of stakeholders and congestion with MLS teams.