The MLS team maintained its momentum with a 1-0 away victory at the Birmingham Legion in the US Open Cup quarterfinals, just hours after Lionel Messi announced his intention to join Inter Miami this summer.
With FC Cincinnati playing first in the semifinals, the outcome advanced Miami into the competition's last four for the first time.
Nicolas Stefanelli's close-range shot in the 56th minute gave Miami the winning goal against USL Championship club Birmingham.
Corentin Jean provided assistance to Stefanelli from the right flank.
We made history today — it's the first time the team has advanced to the semifinals, said interim head coach Javier Morales, who took over for the fired Phil Neville last week. "This win is very important, not just for us as a team, but for the whole organization," Morales said.
Since this is about everyone on the team—not just one player or the coach—we are extremely delighted and proud of the players and everyone else. Today, Inter Miami achieved history by reaching the semifinals.
Miami began its inaugural season in 2020, however as a result to COVID cancellations, it has only twice participated in the Open Cup.
Additionally, despite Miami's victory in the Open Cup this year, the MLS squad that Messi appears to be joining has had a terrible year.
With only 15 points after 16 games, the team is in last place in the Eastern Conference (15th out of 15).
Surprisingly, Miami is only one game behind in the win column despite having five more victories (five) than the three teams ahead of it.
Apart from telling Mundo Deportivo that he was traveling to the United States, Messi will undoubtedly aid in the latter category if he comes, and Barcelona implied in a backhanded remark that he wouldn't be returning to the team.
MLS also provided a succinct statement regarding Messi.
The Major organization Soccer organization announced, "We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer this summer."
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