Lionel Messi continues to make his mark on and off the pitch. The Argentine legend has officially announced the creation of a brand-new youth tournament — the Messi Cup — with FC Barcelona among the first clubs confirmed to take part.
📅 The first Messi Cup kicks off this December in Miami
The inaugural edition of the Messi Cup will take place from December 9 to 14 in Miami, featuring eight U16 teams from some of the most prestigious clubs in world football.
Among the confirmed participants are:
- FC Barcelona
- Manchester City
- Inter Milan
- Atlético Madrid
- Chelsea
- Inter Miami
- Newell’s Old Boys
- River Plate
The teams will be divided into two groups of four, followed by knockout rounds and a grand final to determine the first-ever champion.
🌍 A new standard for youth football
According to 525 Rosario, the organization behind the event, the goal of the Messi Cup is to “set a new standard in youth football — blending competition, innovation, and community.”
Messi himself shared on his social media that the tournament will not only focus on football but also include a variety of side events and community activities designed to inspire the next generation of players.
“Football gave me everything,” Messi said. “Now I want to give something back — to help young players from all over the world live their dreams.”
⚽ A stage for the stars of tomorrow
By bringing together top youth academies from Europe and South America, the Messi Cup aims to create a unique environment for young talents to compete, learn, and showcase their potential.
The participation of clubs like Barcelona, City, and Inter ensures the tournament will have both quality and global attention from the very first edition.
💫 Legacy beyond the game
For Messi, this is more than just another football event — it’s part of his growing legacy as an ambassador of the sport. The Messi Cup combines his passion for football, commitment to youth development, and connection to his roots in Argentina.
