Official: All 16 participants of the Messi Cup 2026 revealed!
Lionel Messi's tournament is getting bigger! The full list of clubs set to compete in the second edition of the Messi Cup has officially been announced.
Details: According to the official website of Lionel Messi, the Messi Cup 2026 will take place in Miami from October 25 to November 1. This year's tournament will feature 16 U-16 teams from some of the world's most prominent football academies, doubling the number of participants compared to the inaugural edition.
The tournament organizers have confirmed the participation of the following 16 clubs:
- Argentina: Boca Juniors, Newell's Old Boys, River Plate.
- Brazil: Flamengo, Palmeiras.
- Ecuador: Independiente del Valle.
- Spain: Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, UE Cornellà.
- USA: Inter Miami.
- England: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City.
- Italy: Inter Milan.
- Netherlands: Ajax.
- Portugal: Benfica.
Inter Miami will once again host the competition, with Inter Miami CF Stadium serving as its main venue. The club's Florida Blue Training Center will also be used during the tournament.
The organizers have also confirmed that fans will be able to follow the tournament through Disney+, ESPN+ and ESPN television channels, depending on their location. The full match schedule and additional details will be announced later.
It is worth noting that the inaugural Messi Cup was held in 2025 and featured eight youth teams. The second edition will double that number to 16, bringing together academies from nine countries.
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