Sofia Quijada
Messi Cup: Lionel Messi launches under-16 tournament in Florida
Lionel Messi has created a new international youth competition, the Messi Cup, which will be staged for the first time in Fort Lauderdale this December. The elite under-16 event runs from 9 to 14 December 2025 and will feature eight clubs in a six-day schedule of 18 matches at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium.
Organised by Messi’s production company, 525 Rosario, the tournament brings together academies from Europe and South America alongside two English sides. It could become an annual fixture on the youth calendar.
Teams taking part
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- Inter Miami
- Barcelona
- River Plate
- Inter Milan
- Newell’s Old Boys
- Atletico Madrid
Messi announced the event on Instagram, emphasising the focus on young players and extra activities around the matches.
“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. Hope you like it! This is the #MessiCup.”
Tim Pastore, CEO of 525 Rosario, described the competition as an opportunity to combine sport and community.
“The Messi Cup is an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, creating legacies and bonds that will endure beyond the field of play.”
“The Messi Cup is the meeting point between the football of today and the players of tomorrow.”
Format and schedule
The eight teams will be split into two groups of four. Over the first three days each side plays the other three teams in its group in a round-robin. The top teams then advance to the play-offs, with the winners of those matches meeting in the final.
There are 18 matches in total, spread across six days. Matches and off-field events are intended to showcase youth talent and build connections between clubs, players and local supporters.
Staging the tournament at Chase Stadium gives Inter Miami a home base for the first edition, and organisers say they hope the Messi Cup will grow into a recurring showcase for future stars.