MIAMI, Florida – Lionel Messi has added an unexpected twist to his latest off-field venture, the "Messi Cup," by inviting a club that was once famously considered a greater rival to Barcelona than even Real Madrid: Chelsea FC.
The inaugural U16 international youth tournament, announced by the Argentine legend this week, has drawn attention not just for its prestigious lineup of participating youth academies, but for the inclusion of the West London club. The move is viewed by many as a symbol of the evolving, post-rivalry phase of football history.
According to reports, Chelsea is one of the eight elite clubs confirmed for the competition, alongside giants like FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Inter Miami CF, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell's Old Boys, and Atlético Madrid.
The Source of the "Hatred"
The inclusion of Chelsea brings back memories of the intense, often bitter rivalry that defined the two clubs' clashes in the UEFA Champions League during the mid-2000s, especially under managers José Mourinho and Frank Rijkaard.
It was during this heated period that Messi himself, still a young player, made comments suggesting the depth of the animosity. He reportedly stated that some players at Camp Nou "hated Chelsea more than Real Madrid." The rivalry was fueled by a series of dramatic, highly contentious knockout ties in Europe's top competition.
A New Era of Legacy
The invitation signifies a shift in focus for Messi, prioritizing the growth of the sport's future over old rivalries. The tournament, organized through his production company, 525 Rosario, and set to run from December 9 to 14 in South Florida, aims to connect high-level sport with culture and technology.
By featuring Chelsea's youth academy, Messi ensures the competition is truly global and competitive, offering young players from all sides of former football feuds a platform to shine at Chase Stadium in Miami. This is seen as a forward-looking step, using football's past intensity to forge its future legacy.
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