How is the 'Messi Cup' organized, what is the time and format?

Through his company 525 Rosario, Messi has officially announced the organization of the first 'Messi Cup' tournament in Miami (USA) this coming December, with U.16 teams from famous clubs around the world participating.

What's special about the "Messi Cup"?

"Messi Cup" will be a new concept in youth football, combining sports and entertainment for both young people and adults. The mission of the tournament is to create long-term value for athletes in the process of career development," Spanish newspaper Marca , highlighting the significance of the tournament organized by famous player Messi and his company.

Messi has carried out many youth football projects in the US, showing that he will stay here for a long time and at Inter Miami Club.

Photo: Reuters

The tournament will feature eight world- class clubs, including Inter Miami, Barcelona, ​​Man City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell's Old Boys, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Over six days, these teams will play a total of 18 matches at some of Miami's most iconic venues, including Inter Miami's Chase Stadium, where Messi plays and his sons play in the club's youth academy.

"It is quite special that Messi chose the U.16 players to organize the tournament. This shows the calculation of the meaning of the tournament, when the players at the age of U.16 will begin the process of forming and developing their careers. Besides, it is also a different psychological development, creating a unique combination between football and cultural festival", Marca emphasized.

The "Messi Cup" will be held for the first time in Miami from December 9 to 14, with a high level of competition and will also bring various cultural and sporting events.

The eight clubs will be divided into two groups of four teams, playing a round-robin format for the first three days. This will be followed by a play-off to determine the final standings. On the final day, the third-place match and the final will both take place at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium. Messi is expected to present the trophy to the winner of the inaugural "Messi Cup", Marca added.

Messi received the 2024 MLS Player of the Year award in front of the Inter Miami Academy youth players, including his three sons.

Photo: Reuters

"The Messi Cup is a meeting point between today's football and tomorrow's players. It is an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture and community, creating strong legacies and bonds beyond the pitch," said Tim Pastore, CEO of 525 Rosario, Messi's production company.

Previously, Messi, with his own sportswear brand, also became the main sponsor for the youth teams and the Inter Miami Academy. This shows that there is a high possibility that this 38-year-old player, with his youth football projects, will stay with Inter Miami long-term even after retirement, to become a co-owner of the team alongside Mr. David Beckham and billionaire brothers Jorge and Jose Mas.

Messi has just completed a trip alternating between Argentina and Inter Miami, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in just 2 recent matches. Including Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Atlanta United FC on October 12 (scoring 2 goals and 1 assist), and Argentina's 6-0 win over Puerto Rico on October 15 (contributing 2 assists).

Messi is expected to join Inter Miami in the away match against Nashville FC at 5am on October 19, concluding the 2025 MLS scoring round, before entering the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs (starting October 22).

Messi is currently the MLS top scorer with 26 goals and 18 assists. He is also dominating the race for the title of best player of the season, and is likely to win the title for the second consecutive time in American soccer.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-cup-duoc-to-chuc-ra-sao-thoi-gian-va-the-thuc-nhu-the-nao-185251016105219977.htm