Lionel Messi has officially announced the creation of the highly anticipated U-16 international club competition, Messi Cup, find out all details of the competition below along with the teams participating
Messi is all set to extend his reach beyond the pitch with his latest venture, aiming to shape the future of football by giving a spotlight to young talent.
Messi Cup Youth Tournament 2025: Schedule, date, time, teams, tickets, format and venue
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Lionel Messi has officially announced the creation of his own tournament — the ‘MESSI CUP’ — to be held in Miami this December.
An under-16 tournament featuring eight clubs:
• 🇦🇷 River Plate
• 🇦🇷 Newell’s Old Boys
• 🇺🇸 Inter Miami
• 🇪🇸 Barcelona
• 🇪🇸 Atlético… pic.twitter.com/pwPRL4StvJ— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 14, 2025
Messi Calling! 📞
Chelsea’s U16 squad will participate in the Messi Cup in Miami this December.
🇺🇸 Inter Miami.
🇪🇸 Barcelona.
🇦🇷 River Plate.
🏴 Chelsea.
🇮🇹 Inter de Milán.
🇪🇸 Atlético Madrid.
🇦🇷 Newell’s Old Boys.
🏴 Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/bloRFKnYE2— Bridgways. (@Bridgways) October 14, 2025
Lionel Messi announces ‘Messi Cup’
Lionel Messi officially announced the launch of the Messi Cup, a new international youth football tournament set to debut in Miami. The Inter Miami star revealed the news on Instagram, calling it “a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world.” The Messi Cup, organized by his production company 525 Rosario, will run from December 9 to 14, 2025. According to Messi, the competition will not only showcase the best U-16 talent globally but also celebrate innovation, culture, and the spirit of the next generation.
Messi Cup confirmed teams
As of now, there are eight elite clubs confirmed for the inaugural edition, including the following:
- Inter Miami CF
- FC Barcelona
- Manchester City
- River Plate
- Inter Milan
- Newell’s Old Boys
- Atlético Madrid
- Chelsea FC
Messi Cup format
The Messi Cup will feature two groups of four teams each, with each team playing against every other team in its group over the first three days. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the playoffs, from where the final rankings will be determined. The cup will feature a total of 18 matches played across six days.
Messi Cup venues
Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium will serve as the main arena, while most matches will take place across multiple venues in Miami. The Chase Stadium will host the semifinals and final on December 14. Meanwhile, off the pitch, the Messi Cup will also host a Football Industry Summit at the Faena Forum, hosting leaders from sports, business, and culture. A Messi Cup Summit Party will also take place at Pao by Paul Qui to cap off the event.
Messi Cup full schedule
The Messi Cup is all set to begin on December 9, 2025, with the group-stage matches running through December 11. Following the end of the league stages, the playoffs and semifinals will then take place on December 12-13. The final and third-place match will then take place on December 14 at Chase Stadium.
Messi Cup tickets
The tickets for the upcoming Messi Cup are now on sale through the official Messi Cup website, with prices starting at $35 for general admission. Meanwhile, the premium seating and VIP tickets range from $120 to $250, and come with exclusive access to pre-match events and hospitality areas. Fans can also choose to purchase full-tournament passes that include entry to all six days of action and off-field activities.
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