Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has announced the inaugural edition of the Messi Cup, an international youth soccer tournament designed to spotlight the next generation of football stars. Slated to take place in South Florida, Miami, from December 9 to 14, 2025, the tournament marks a significant step in Messi’s ongoing legacy, extending his influence beyond the pitch to nurture emerging talent.

Organized by Messi and his production company, 525 Rosario, the Messi Cup is more than just a competition; it is envisioned as a multifaceted platform fusing sport, culture, and innovation. A statement from 525 Rosario highlighted its mission: “to generate long-term value for athletes developing their careers, for the communities that unite around a passion for sport, and for brands seeking authentic and lasting connections in the new era of football.”

Tim Pastore, CEO of 525 Rosario, encapsulated this vision, stating,

“The Messi Cup is the meeting point between the football of today and the players of tomorrow. It’s an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, creating legacies and bonds that will endure beyond the field of play.”

The tournament will feature eight elite Under-16 teams from some of the world's most prominent clubs. The confirmed participants include Messi’s current club, Inter Miami, along with European powerhouses Barcelona, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea. Representing South American football will be River Plate and Newell’s Old Boys. These teams will compete in 18 matches over the six-day event, with games primarily hosted at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium and the club’s state-of-the-art training facilities.

The competition structure mirrors major international tournaments, with the eight teams divided into two groups of four. They will engage in a round-robin style phase during the first three days. Following the group stage, play-off matches will determine final positions, culminating in a third-place match and the grand final, both to be played at Chase Stadium.

Beyond the on-field action, the Messi Cup is set to be a vibrant cultural event. The Faena Forum will serve as the hub for an industry summit, bringing together leaders from sports, culture, and business to discuss the future of youth football and its global reach. Additionally, the official Messi Cup Summit Party will take place at Pao by Paul Qui, offering a dynamic social setting for participants and attendees.

As Messi himself shared on Instagram, expressing his excitement: “Thrilled to finally share this with you. This December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world… This is about the next generation. Hope you like it! This is the Messi Cup.”

With the world’s attention turning to Miami, the tournament prepares to shine a light on the future stars of football, highlighting Messi’s dedication to cultivating talent while celebrating the sport’s cultural and global impact.