Messi Cup 2026 kicks off in Miami with 16 youth teams

The second edition of the Messi Cup, an international under-16 football tournament created by Lionel Messi, begins this Sunday in the Miami region of the United States. Organized by the production company 525 Rosario, the competition has expanded from eight to 16 participating clubs from nine different countries.

The tournament features prominent youth academies, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Ajax, Benfica, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. Matches will be held at the Inter Miami CF Stadium and the club's training facilities in Fort Lauderdale.

Teams are divided into four groups of four. Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Gold Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will compete in the Silver Cup. The final is scheduled for November 1. The tournament will be broadcast internationally via ESPN and Disney+.