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.
