Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest ever players, is embarking on a fresh project that merges his passion for the sport with his commitment to youth development. The Argentine icon has announced the launch of the inaugural Messi Cup, an eight-team youth competition designed to showcase some of the world’s brightest young talents.
Scheduled to take place between December 9 and 14 at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium and training complex, the tournament will feature academy sides from some of the biggest clubs across Europe and South America.
Messi, who is now in the twilight of his illustrious career, has never shied away from promoting the next generation of footballers. After partnering with Top Baller – a street football organisation known for its popular 1v1 tournaments – the 38-year-old World Cup winner has now turned his focus to a more structured global event.
The competition, which he describes as being “about the next generation,” will feature clubs that have played a significant role in his footballing journey.
Participating sides include Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Miami – all clubs with either historical or emotional ties to the Argentine forward. But two other teams will join from England, as Chelsea and Manchester City are set to represent the Premier League in Miami.
Messi’s former club Paris Saint-Germain, notably, will not be involved despite the Argentine having played two seasons in France, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 75 appearances.
Chelsea and Manchester City Represent England in Messi’s Youth Showcase
For English football fans, the involvement of Chelsea and Manchester City adds an extra layer of intrigue to the new tournament. The two Premier League giants are expected to send their U16 squads.
Chelsea’s inclusion comes as a mild surprise to some observers, given Messi’s long-standing rivalry with the London club during his Barcelona days.
The Argentine once admitted that Barcelona “hated Chelsea more than Real Madrid” due to their fierce Champions League encounters in the 2000s and 2010s. Yet, true to the spirit of the game, the competition aims to bridge divides and celebrate football unity through youth development.
Messi announced the competition on his Instagram page, sharing his enthusiasm about what the event represents. “Thrilled to finally share this with you. This December, Miami will host a very special youth tournament featuring some of the top clubs around the world,” he said.
He added: “The future of the game will be on full display, and it’s more than just matches – we’ve got an incredible few days planned with lots of other exciting activities. This is about the next generation. Hope you like it!”
The Messi Cup is being promoted by 525 Rosario, the global media company owned by Messi and named after his birthplace in Argentina. According to organisers, the event aims to create a festival atmosphere that goes beyond football, combining sports, culture, and entertainment into one immersive experience.
Tickets for the competition start at $120, with a premium entry pass priced at $1,100, offering exclusive benefits such as a meet-and-greet opportunity and access to special activities.
The structure of the tournament will see the eight teams divided into two groups of four, competing in a round-robin format during the first three days. The top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, leading to semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the grand final on the final day.
Tim Pastore, Chief Executive of 525 Rosario, expressed his excitement about the new initiative and what it means for football’s future.
“The Messi Cup is where today’s game meets tomorrow’s players. It is an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, while creating legacies and bonds that will endure well beyond the pitch,” he said.
Lionel Messi – A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
For Messi, this project represents more than just another football event. It is the embodiment of his enduring influence on the game, both as a player and as a global ambassador.
Having lifted every major trophy in world football — including the World Cup, Copa America, and four Champions League titles — the Argentine maestro is now channelling his legacy into nurturing young players who could become the stars of tomorrow.
The choice of Miami as the host city also highlights Messi’s growing impact in North America, following his move to Inter Miami in 2023. His presence has already transformed the profile of Major League Soccer, drawing global attention to the U.S. football scene.
The Messi Cup is expected to build on that momentum, bringing together elite youth academies and fostering international football connections at grassroots level.
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Organisers have hinted that the competition will not only focus on matches but also feature cultural exchanges, workshops, and community-driven events. Several football industry figures, entertainers, and former players are expected to attend throughout the week, turning Miami into a hub of global youth football.
While it remains to be seen whether the Messi Cup will become a recurring fixture on the football calendar, early reactions from clubs, fans, and analysts have been overwhelmingly positive.
Many view it as a natural extension of Messi’s mission to inspire the next generation — a mission that has defined much of his late career both on and off the pitch.
