The Messi Cup is a new international U-16 tournament created and spearheaded by Lionel Messi, bringing together eight elite clubs to compete from December 9-14, 2025, in Miami. The tournament, aimed at promoting youth development on a global scale, will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+, with its main venue at the Inter Miami facilities. According to Noticias Argentinas, River Plate and Newell's Old Boys are the two Argentine representatives in this inaugural edition, with the rest of the lineup completed by Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Inter Miami. The competition is structured into two groups of four teams, with each team set to play at least three matches of 40 minutes each. Following the initial phase, the top teams will advance to the semifinals and finals, scheduled for Sunday, December 14, at the Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami. The tournament also features a packed schedule with matches daily and numerous encounters between Argentine clubs and European powerhouses. Furthermore, the games will be held at both the Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center, solidifying a space designed for large-scale youth development.
