Officially: All participants in the Messi Cup!
The Messi Cup is expanding in a big way. The full line-up of clubs that will take part in the tournament's second edition has now been made official.
Youth Cup
According to Lionel Messi's official website, the 2026 Messi Cup is set to be staged in Miami, running from October 25 through November 1. This time around, sixteen U-16 sides representing some of the most renowned football academies on the planet will compete — a figure that doubles the field from the competition's first instalment.
The organizers have since confirmed exactly which sixteen clubs will be involved. From Argentina come Boca Juniors, Newell's Old Boys and River Plate. Brazil will be represented by Flamengo and Palmeiras, while Ecuador sends Independiente del Valle. Spain's contingent consists of Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and UE Cornellà. The United States will be represented by Inter Miami, with England sending Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. Rounding out the list are Inter Milan of Italy, Ajax of the Netherlands and Benfica of Portugal.
Inter Miami will once again play host, with Inter Miami CF Stadium serving as the primary venue. The club's Florida Blue Training Center will also be put to use over the course of the competition. As for how supporters can keep up with the action, the organizers have confirmed that coverage will be available via Disney+, ESPN+ and ESPN television channels, with access depending on the viewer's location. A full match schedule, along with further details, is expected to be released at a later date.
It is worth recalling that the first Messi Cup took place in 2025 and featured eight youth teams. With the second edition doubling that number to sixteen, academies from nine different countries will come together for the event.
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