The second edition of the Messi Cup, founded by Lionel Messi, will feature 16 leading football academies from nine countries, including U-16 teams from prominent clubs such as FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. The tournament, set to take place in Miami, United States, from October 25 to November 1, 2026, represents a significant expansion from last year's inaugural event, which featured eight clubs. This year's competition will bring together some of the most prominent youth academies from Europe, South America, and North America.
The participating clubs include Inter Miami CF, Ajax, Inter Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Benfica, FC Barcelona, Palmeiras, Arsenal, Newell’s Old Boys, Flamengo, UE Cornellà, Manchester City, Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente del Valle, and Chelsea. This expanded line-up gives young players an opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest youth systems in international football. European giants such as Barcelona, Manchester City, and Chelsea will be joined by prominent South American academies, including River Plate and Boca Juniors.
According to Messi, the tournament was created to give young players a unique experience both on and off the pitch while helping them understand the demands of competing at an international level. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed satisfaction with the growth of the competition, stating that he is pleased to see players from leading clubs around the world coming together to compete, share experiences, and enjoy football. The tournament is designed not only around competition but also around exposure to different football cultures and approaches to youth development.
Inter Miami CF will host the competition, with Inter Miami CF Stadium and the club’s Florida Blue Training Center serving as the principal venues. The tournament will provide the participating academies with access to the facilities of Messi’s current club while allowing supporters to watch some of the most promising young players from around the world. The detailed match schedule for the 2026 edition is expected to be announced later.
River Plate are the defending champions, having won the inaugural tournament in 2025 by defeating Atlético de Madrid 2-0 in the final. The Argentine club will now return to Miami seeking to defend its title against a field that has doubled in size. The competition will offer another opportunity for emerging talents to gain international experience and compete against players from different football environments.
The Messi Cup will also receive international television and streaming coverage, with Disney+, ESPN+, and ESPN television channels listed among the platforms that will broadcast the competition, depending on the territory. The organisers say the expanded tournament is intended to establish the Messi Cup as a significant event on the global youth football calendar.
With 16 academies from nine countries converging in Miami, the second edition of the Messi Cup will bring together some of the most promising young players from around the world. The tournament will provide a platform for these players to showcase their skills, learn from different football cultures, and gain valuable international experience. The event is expected to be a major milestone in the development of youth football globally.
Key points
- The Messi Cup has doubled in size from last year's inaugural tournament, featuring 16 leading football academies from nine countries.
- The tournament will provide young players with a unique experience both on and off the pitch, exposing them to different football cultures and approaches to youth development.
- River Plate will defend their title as champions of the inaugural Messi Cup, which they won by defeating Atlético de Madrid 2-0 in the final.
