Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Messi has confirmed the first edition of the Messi Cup, which will be held in South Florida from 9th to 14th December
- The tournament will showcase under-16 teams from eight leading clubs, including Inter Miami, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Chelsea
- A total of 18 matches are scheduled to be contested, with participation from sides across Europe and South America
Overview of the Messi Cup
Lionel Messi, the global football icon, has officially unveiled the inaugural Messi Cup, set to take place in South Florida. The youth tournament, which will run from 9th to 14th December, provides a new platform for aspiring footballers in the under-16 age category and features some of the sport’s most prestigious youth academies.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Lionel Messi has officially announced the creation of his own tournament — the 'MESSI CUP' — to be held in Miami this December.
An under-16 tournament featuring eight clubs:
• 🇦🇷 River Plate
• 🇦🇷 Newell’s Old Boys
• 🇺🇸 Inter Miami
• 🇪🇸 Barcelona
• 🇪🇸 Atlético… pic.twitter.com/pwPRL4StvJ— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 14, 2025
Teams and Tournament Format
According to the competition guidelines, the Messi Cup will involve 18 matches played among eight club sides. The distinguished line-up includes the following participants: Inter Miami, Barcelona, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea.
| Club | Country |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | USA |
| Barcelona | Spain |
| Manchester City | England |
| River Plate | Argentina |
| Inter Milan | Italy |
| Newell’s Old Boys | Argentina |
| Atlético Madrid | Spain |
| Chelsea | England |
Messi’s Announcement
“I am excited to finally share this with you. This December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the best clubs from around the world,” Messi wrote on social media.
