The Messi Cup is returning to Miami in 2026, and its second edition will be significantly bigger than the inaugural tournament.
The youth football competition will run from October 25 to November 1, 2026, bringing together 16 U-16 teams from leading academies across Europe, North America and South America. The field has doubled from eight clubs in the first edition to 16 this year.
The expanded lineup includes Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Inter Miami CF, alongside several other internationally recognised clubs.
Which teams are playing in the Messi Cup 2026?
The full list of confirmed teams is:
- Inter Miami CF
- FC Barcelona
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- Ajax
- Inter Milan
- Atlético de Madrid
- Benfica
- Palmeiras
- Flamengo
- River Plate
- Boca Juniors
- Newell's Old Boys
- Independiente del Valle
- UE Cornellà
The tournament brings together academies with different football traditions, giving young players an opportunity to compete against opponents they would rarely meet during their regular domestic seasons.
Messi Cup returns with a bigger format
The 2026 Messi Cup represents a major expansion for the tournament. Its inaugural edition featured eight U-16 sides, including Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Miami, Inter Milan, River Plate, Newell's Old Boys and Atlético de Madrid.
For the second edition, eight additional clubs have joined the competition.
Lionel Messi said the tournament was created to give young players a unique experience both on and off the pitch while allowing them to experience high-level international competition during an important stage of their development.
The expansion also gives supporters an opportunity to watch prospects from some of world football's most famous youth systems compete in the same event.
Where will the Messi Cup 2026 be played?
Inter Miami will once again host the tournament in South Florida.
Matches are set to be played at Inter Miami CF Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, with Inter Miami CF Stadium serving as the main venue for the competition.
The tournament begins on October 25 and concludes on November 1.
The detailed 2026 competition schedule has not yet been released, with organisers saying further information will be announced later.
How to watch the Messi Cup 2026
The tournament will also receive international broadcast coverage.
According to the official announcement, fans will be able to follow Messi Cup matches through Disney+, ESPN+ and ESPN television channels, although availability will vary depending on the country or territory.
That distribution could give the competition greater international visibility as supporters follow some of the most promising players from major football academies.
With Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Miami and several of South America's biggest clubs involved, the second edition of the Messi Cup 2026 is set to bring a wider international field to Miami.
Further details, including the complete match schedule, are expected to be confirmed closer to the tournament.
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