The Messi Cup is set to return for its second edition, with the youth tournament expanding significantly after its inaugural competition.
The tournament will now feature 16 teams, double the number of participants from the eight clubs involved in the first edition. The expansion further strengthens the competition’s aim of bringing some of the world’s most promising young footballers together to experience international-level competition.
Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi, whose club is behind the tournament for this edition, welcomed its continued growth.
“The Messi Cup was created so that the boys can enjoy a unique experience, both on and off the pitch, at a very important stage in their development, while also beginning to understand what it means to compete at the highest international level,” Messi said.
“We’re very happy to see the tournament continue to grow and to be able to bring together players from so many great clubs around the world so they can compete, share the experience and, above all, enjoy football.”
Tournament Location and Participating Teams
The second edition will take place from October 25 to November 1 at Inter Miami’s state-of-the-art facilities, including Inter Miami CF Stadium(the Chase Stadium) and the Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Inter Miami’s own U-16 academy side will participate in the tournament for the first time, joining an impressive collection of youth teams from across the world.
Inter Miami CF U-16 team will participate in the Messi Cup for the first time.
The 16 participating academies are Inter Miami CF, Ajax, Inter Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Benfica, Barcelona, Palmeiras, Arsenal, Newell’s Old Boys, Flamengo, UE Cornellà, Manchester City, Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente del Valle and Chelsea.
Inter Miami’s U-16 match schedule will be announced at a later date.
How to Watch the Messi Cup
The tournament will also be available to a global audience, with fans able to follow the action through Disney+, ESPN+ and ESPN television channels.
Availability will vary depending on the viewer’s territory, allowing supporters in different parts of the world to follow some of the competition’s most promising young talents.
A Growing Platform for Young Players
Beyond the competition itself, the MESSI CUP is designed to provide young players with an opportunity to experience high-level international football while interacting with academies from different footballing cultures.
With the number of teams doubling to 16 for its second edition, the tournament is continuing to develop into an international youth football platform, bringing together some of the biggest names in the game at academy level.
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