Lionel Messi has confirmed that The Messi Cup will return to South Florida for its second edition, with the prestigious youth tournament scheduled to take place from October 25 to November 1, 2026.
The tournament, founded by Messi and organized through his production company 525 Rosario, will once again bring together some of the biggest names in world football at U-16 level. The second edition will be significantly expanded from the inaugural tournament, with 16 clubs from nine countries and three continents set to compete.
Who are the 16 clubs invited for rhe Messi Cup?
The participating clubs for the 2026 Messi Cup are:
Inter Miami
FC Barcelona
Manchester City
Chelsea
Atlético de Madrid
Inter Milan
River Plate
Newell’s Old Boys
Boca Juniors
Arsenal
Ajax
Benfica
Flamengo
Palmeiras
Independiente del Valle
UE CornellÃ
The lineup features some of the most renowned academies in European and South American football, including Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Ajax, Benfica, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo and Palmeiras.
The tournament will be played at U-16 level, giving some of the world’s most promising young footballers the opportunity to test themselves against elite international opposition.
The final is scheduled to be played at Inter Miami’s stadium, while the other matches will be hosted at the club’s training complex in South Florida.
What is Messi Cup?
The Messi Cup was created to give young players an opportunity to experience international football while competing against some of the best academies in the world. The inaugural edition featured eight clubs, with Inter Miami, Barcelona, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea taking part.
River Plate won the first edition after defeating Atlético Madrid in the final.
The expansion to 16 teams represents a major step in the development of the competition and gives the Messi Cup a much broader international footprint.
With clubs from Europe, South America and North America involved, the second edition promises a week of high-level youth football and an opportunity to watch some of the players who could become future stars of the game.
When is the Messi Cup?
The Messi Cup 2026 runs from October 25 to November 1 in Miami, with the next generation of football talent taking centre stage.