Inter Miami advanced to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals for the first time, setting up the possibility of Lionel Messi playing when the Herons meet FC Cincinnati on Aug. 23.

Nicolas Stefanelli scored the only goal to give Inter Miami a 1-0 win over the Birmingham Legion, the last remaining USL Championship team.

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Paul Kennedy edited Soccer America for 41 years (1985-2026). He began writing for SA in 1974. He started writing for France Football in 1978 and has served on in Ballon d'Or jury since 2007.