Messi Cup 2026: format, teams and groups for the U16 tournament

Atlético de Madrid have a dream: to win the prestigious 2026 Messi Cup, an under-16 tournament to be played in Miami under the watchful eye of its host, Lionel Messi, the greatest player of all time.

The prestigious Messi Cup for young football talent is back. After the success of its inaugural edition, the Messi Cup returns to Miami with twice as many teams, expanding from 8 to 16 Under-16 sides.

The boys' tournament is pressing ahead with its ambition to become a global benchmark for youth football, bringing together some of the most promising players in the world.

What is the Messi Cup?

The Messi Cup is an international youth football tournament led by Lionel Messi, which will hold its second edition in 2026. Lionel Messi created the tournament so that the youngsters "can enjoy a unique experience, both on and off the pitch, at a very important moment in their development (...) We are delighted to see the tournament grow and to be able to bring together players from so many of the world's great clubs to compete, share and, above all, enjoy football."

When is the Messi Cup played?

The tournament runs from 25 October to 1 November 2026. The whole competition is played over just eight days of intense action.

Which teams are taking part?

The Under-16 sides competing to win the second edition of the tournament are: Inter Miami CF, Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Benfica, FC Barcelona, Palmeiras, Arsenal, Newell's Old Boys, Flamengo, UE Cornellà, Manchester City, Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente del Valle and Chelsea.

The groups for the 2026 Messi Cup:

Group A: River Plate, Chelsea FC, AFC Ajax and Inter Milan.

Group B: FC Barcelona, Palmeiras, Arsenal FC and Newell's Old Boys

Group C: Atlético de Madrid, SL Benfica, Independiente del Valle and Inter Miami CF

Group D: Manchester City, Boca Juniors, CR Flamengo and UE Cornellà