The second edition of Messi Cup wrapped up this past weekend following a week of intense competition, exciting matchups and memorable experiences for young athletes at the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities, Inter Miami CF Stadium and Florida Blue Training Center, in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s edition doubled the field from eight to 16 participating teams, bringing together some of the world’s most prestigious youth academies, including FC Barcelona, Manchester City, CA River Plate and more.
Tournament Overview
The tournament kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring Inter Miami captain Leo Messi alongside representatives from all 16 participating clubs.
“For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how the Cup continues to grow year after year. Last year was the inaugural edition and our first experience hosting the tournament. We had fewer teams and a shorter competition, but the players who participated took away an immense amount of joy from being part of it. It was a tremendous experience because of everything they got to live and share.
“That’s exactly what I wish for them in this edition as well: to enjoy the tournament beyond the results, to compete, embrace the experience, and have the opportunity to make friends from different countries and cultures.
“I hope this becomes an unforgettable tournament, one that stays with them for the rest of their lives. When they grow older, I hope they look back and remember this experience fondly, regardless of what the future holds for each of them individually. Ultimately, what matters most is that they take away memories from this tournament that will last a lifetime,” said Messi during the opening ceremony.
The 16 participating teams were divided into four groups of four, competing throughout the group stage for a place in the knockout rounds. The top two finishers in each group advanced to the Gold Cup bracket, while the remaining eight teams competed in the Silver Cup bracket, ensuring every team continued competing throughout the tournament.
The Gold Cup semifinals featured a highly anticipated rematch of last year's final between Atlético de Madrid and River Plate. The Argentinians once again came out on top, securing its place in the final following a thrilling penalty shootout. On the other side of the bracket, SE Palmeiras faced AFC Ajax, with the Brazilian side mounting a late comeback to earn its place in the championship match.
In an all-South American Gold Cup final, SE Palmeiras edged defending champions CA River Plate 1-0 to be crowned the 2026 Messi Cup champions. Meanwhile, Newell’s Old Boys claimed the Silver Cup title with a 2-0 victory over UE Cornellà.
Inter Miami CF Facilities Serve as Home to Elite International Competition
Throughout eight days of competition, Inter Miami CF Stadium and Florida Blue Training Center welcomed 16 teams representing nine countries for an international showcase of emerging soccer talent. The tournament featured 44 matches across the group stage, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, providing young players with valuable opportunities to compete against top-level international opposition.
The successful hosting of the Messi Cup further highlights the Club’s commitment to establishing its facilities in Fort Lauderdale as a destination for major international sporting events. Following a busy summer that saw the facilities welcome national teams including France, England and Colombia, the Club continues to build on its role as a host for international competition as preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and other major sporting events.
