FC Barcelona will be one of the headline participants in the inaugural Messi Cup, a youth football tournament organized by Lionel Messi in Miami from December 9th to 14th, 2025. The event will bring together
eight clubs from around the world at the U16 level, offering Barcelona’s young stars the chance to compete against top international talent while gaining exposure on a global stage.
“I can finally tell you that this December a very special youth tournament is coming to Miami, featuring some of the best clubs in the world. There will also be many more activities that week,” the former Barcelona #10 said.
The Catalan side joins other clubs such as Inter Miami, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea. Over six days, the teams will face off in 18 matches across Miami’s top venues, including Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center. FC Barcelona’s youth squad will start in a round-robin group phase before progressing to the knockout rounds, with the grand final and third-place match set for December 14 at Chase Stadium.
For FC Barcelona, the Messi Cup represents another opportunity to reinforce the club’s global reputation for developing world-class talent. Lionel Messi’s involvement connects the tournament to Barcelona’s legacy, as the club played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
Tim Pastore, CEO of Messi’s production company 525 Rosario, said, “The Messi Cup is the meeting point between today’s football and the players of tomorrow,” highlighting how events like this benefit both players and clubs.
The tournament will also feature a soccer industry summit at the Faena Forum and the official Messi Cup Summit Party at Pao by Paul Qui, blending football with cultural and business experiences. For FC Barcelona, participation in these events provides networking opportunities and further visibility for its academy players.