By SIMON JONES

Published: 21:33, 14 October 2025 | Updated: 21:33, 14 October 2025

Chelsea and Manchester City are to take part in the inaugural Lionel Messi Cup in December.

The first edition of the tournament will involve eight teams at U16 level and will take place between December 9 and 14.

The English pair will be accompanied by teams from Barcelona, Newell's Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Atletico Madrid and Inter Miami. 

They will be split into two groups of four to face each other on a round robin basis followed by a play-off stage hosted predominantly at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium and Miami's training fields.

'The Messi Cup is where today’s game meets tomorrow’s players,' said Tim Pastore, CEO of 525 Rosario, Messi's media company. 

Lionel Messi's tournament in his name will play host to some top young talent 

'It is an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, while creating legacies and bonds that will endure well beyond the pitch.'

A number of other events involving industry and...