David

Leo was the star of the Messi Cup inauguration ceremony, a truly special day that marked the official start of the tournament. Before the competition kicked off, Leo received the MLS Regular Season MVP award, a recognition of his extraordinary performance this year with Inter Miami. Immediately after, the Argentine legend gave way to the opening of the tournament, which brings together some of the most important clubs in world football. The Messi Cup will run until December 14 and features Inter Miami, Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate, and Inter Milan.

Leo was crowned MLS champion with Inter Miami after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium. With this victory, the Florida team enters the history of U.S. soccer by winning its first MLS title just seven years after its founding. The Argentine, who contributed two assists in the decisive final, now boasts his 48th career trophy and closes out 2025 with 43 goals and 26 assists in MLS, finishing as both the league’s top scorer and top assist provider.

Leo aims this Saturday to make history with Inter Miami against Whitecaps FC in the MLS final at Chase Stadium. The Argentine arrives at the decisive clash as the league’s top scorer and assist provider, with 35 goals and 21 assists.
The Florida team reaches the MLS grand final for the first time, seven years after its founding, following emphatic victories over NYCFC (5-1), Cincinnati (0-4), and Nashville (4-0) in the previous rounds.

Leo once again entered Inter Miami’s history books after defeating New York City FC 5-1 in the Eastern Conference Final, securing a spot in the MLS Grand Final against the Whitecaps on December 6. The Argentine, who provided an assist in the rout over NYCFC, heads into the MLS Final with 43 goals in 48 matches this season, closing out his best campaign in American soccer.

Leo will play this Saturday in the MLS Eastern Conference Final with Inter Miami against New York FC, aiming for a spot in the grand MLS final in the match to be held at Chase Stadium in Florida. The Argentine has recorded two goals and three assists in the three games played so far against NYC FC.

525 Rosario, the production company founded by Lionel Messi, is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural MESSI CUP, a groundbreaking youth football competition that will bring together some of the world’s most prestigious clubs and their top U16 players. The first edition will take place in Miami from December 9 to 14, 2025, combining elite competition on the pitch with cultural and industry events off it.

The MESSI CUP has been designed to set a new global standard for youth football. More than a tournament, it is a live event series and a digital-first platform that merges sport, culture, and innovation. Its mission is to create long-term value for athletes as they build their futures, for communities uniting around the passion of the game, and for brands seeking authentic and lasting partnerships in football’s next chapter.

The tournament will feature eight world-class clubs: Inter Miami CF, Barcelona FC, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético de Madrid, and Chelsea FC. Over the course of six days, these teams will compete in 18 matches across Miami’s most iconic venues, including Inter Miami CF’s Chase Stadium and Inter Miami CF’s Training Fields. The Faena Forum will host an industry summit gathering thought leaders from sports, culture, and business, while Pao by Paul Qui will stage the official Messi Cup Summit Party, further cementing the event as a unique blend of football and cultural celebration.

The competition format will see two groups of four teams face each other in a round-robin system over the first three days, followed by a playoff stage to determine final rankings. The closing day will feature the third-place match and the championship final, both held at Inter Miami CF’s Chase Stadium, where the first-ever MESSI CUP champion will be crowned.

“The MESSI CUP is where today’s game meets tomorrow’s players,” said Tim Pastore, CEO of 525 Rosario. “It is an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, while creating legacies and bonds that will endure well beyond the pitch.”

At its core, the MESSI CUP is driven by a clear purpose and a bold vision for the future of the game. It is more than competition—it is a catalyst: where talent becomes legacy, where culture drives innovation, and where a global community unites around the next era of football. This is not just a tournament to witness, but a movement to be part of. On the pitch and across the world, the MESSI CUP will inspire players, ignite passion, and shape the future of football.

Tickets will be available at www.messicup.com. Fans can also follow all official updates on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube, under the handle @themessicup.