MIAMI, Florida – Football legend Lionel Messi has announced the launch of the "Messi Cup," an inaugural international U16 youth tournament founded by the Argentine superstar. The competition, set to take place in South Florida this December, will feature eight renowned clubs from around the world, including giants like Barcelona, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
The announcement was made on October 14, 2025, via Messi’s production company, 525 Rosario. The tournament aims to bring together top-tier global youth teams for a prestigious event, combining high-level football with cultural and technological connection.
The event is scheduled to run from December 9 to 14 in various locations across South Florida, with a total of 18 matches played. The highly anticipated final is set to be held at Chase Stadium, the home ground of Inter Miami CF.
Participating Clubs
The initial lineup for the first-ever Messi Cup features eight elite youth academies:
Inter Miami CF
FC Barcelona
Manchester City
River Plate (Argentina)
Inter Milan
Newell's Old Boys (Argentina)
Atlético Madrid
Chelsea FC
These teams will be divided into two groups, competing in a round-robin format before advancing to the playoffs, including a third-place match and the grand final.
More Than Just a Tournament
Speaking upon the announcement, Messi expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "I am very happy to finally be able to share this with everyone. This December, Miami will host a special youth football tournament, bringing together many of the world's top clubs," Messi stated.
Tim Pastore, CEO of 525 Rosario, emphasized the broader mission of the Messi Cup: "More than just a tournament, this is a series of live events and a digital platform combining sport, culture, and innovation. Our goal is to create sustainable value for young players, the football community, and brands looking to build authentic connections in the new era of the beautiful game."
The tournament is seen by many analysts, including ESPN, as Messi's latest effort to build his legacy off the field, nurturing the next generation of football stars and cementing Miami's position as a global football hub.
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