Messi Launches Expanded Youth Tournament in Miami

Lionel Messi has unveiled the second edition of the Messi Cup, a youth football tournament that will take place in Miami, United States, from October 25 to November 1, 2026. This year's competition has doubled in size, featuring 16 leading football academies from nine countries, compared to eight clubs in the inaugural tournament.

The participating U-16 teams include renowned clubs such as FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid, Inter Milan, Ajax, Benfica, and the host club, Inter Miami CF. Other notable academies participating are Palmeiras, Newell’s Old Boys, Flamengo, UE Cornellà, Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente del Valle.

This expanded line-up provides young players with the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest youth systems in international football, fostering both competition and cultural exchange.