Argentina legend Lionel Messi has announced the launch of the first-ever Messi Cup. Notably, Messi Cup will be an international youth football tournament that will take place in South Florida from December 9–14, 2025. The tournament will feature elite Under-16 teams from some of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
Organized by Messi’s own production company, 525 Rosario, the tournament aims to bring together young football talents from different continents, blending sporting excellence with global collaboration. The event will feature 18 matches played across six days. The Messi Cup will showcase the next generation of stars on an international stage.
“Thrilled to finally share this with you,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “This December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world.”
The eight participating teams will be divided into two groups of four, competing in a round-robin format over the first three days. The top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in a third-place playoff and the grand final at Chase Stadium – the home of Messi’s current club Inter Miami CF. The Messi Cup will feature Under-16 teams from the following eight clubs:
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The tournament will serve as a celebration of youth development and the global spirit of the game. With his childhood club Newell’s Old Boys, current club Inter Miami and former side Barcelona all involved, the tournament will symbolize Messi’s career arc. The Messi Cup will connect Lionel Messi’s past, present, and future through football. The tournament promises to become an annual fixture and it could position Miami as a new hub for youth football on the world stage.
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