MIAMI, Florida — Soccer legend Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has officially taken on the role of tournament organizer, announcing the launch of the inaugural "Messi Cup". This international competition is specifically designed for the Under-16 age group and is set to spotlight the next generation of footballing talent. The event was founded by Messi in collaboration with his production company, 525 Rosario.
The six-day tournament is intended to be much more than just a series of matches. It is envisioned as a digital-first platform and a live event series that seamlessly blends sport, culture, and innovation. The ultimate goal is to create long-term value for young athletes as they build their futures, for communities uniting around the passion of the game, and for brands seeking authentic partnerships in football’s evolving landscape.
Messi shared his enthusiasm on Instagram, stating: "I'm thrilled to finally share this with you – this December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world. The future of the game will be on full display, and it's more than just matches—we've got an incredible few days planned with lots of other exciting activities. This is about the next generation."
Tournament Details and Elite Competitors
The inaugural Messi Cup is scheduled to run from December 9th to December 14th, 2025. All matches will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, utilizing Inter Miami's top-tier facilities, including Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center. The Final and the third-place match will both be held at Chase Stadium on the final day.
The competition will feature the U-16 sides of eight globally renowned clubs, promising high-quality matchups: Inter Miami (USA), Barcelona (Spain), River Plate (Argentina), Chelsea (England), Inter Milan (Italy), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Newell's Old Boys (Argentina), and Manchester City (England).
A total of 18 games will be played under a clear format. The tournament begins with two groups of four teams competing in a round-robin stage. Following the group matches, a knockout stage, including a playoff to determine final placings, will crown the champion.
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