- Messi Cup 2026 got underway on 25th October, following a successful first edition last year.
- 16 elite youth academies from top clubs across the world are participating in this event.
- The event is managed by 525 Rosario and hosted by Inter Miami football club under Leo Messi's name.
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Messi Cup 2026 Live Streaming: Will Thiago Messi Play Tonight?

Summary
The second edition of the global youth football platform Messi Cup 2026 created in partnership with Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, is already underway. The event aims to “bring together elite youth teams and players for a week of competition, cultural exchange, and immersive experiences”, and is heading towards matchweek 3. The youth tournament started from October 25 until November 1, hosting players from a number of the world's biggest clubs in Miami, Florida.
All matches will be hosted at the Inter Miami CF stadium and training grounds. Building on the successes of the previous edition, the intrigue among fans has picked up for this year's competition. Searches for where to watch Messi Cup 2026 are growing day-by-day as interest is at its peak to catch the future generation live.
Will Thiago Messi Play Tonight?
The eldest son of one of the best football players of all time, Lionel Messi, Thiago Messi has been making waves in youth football, with his clips often going viral on X. Fans will be hoping to witness some magic from the junior Messi at the showcase event. But to their disappointment, Thiago Messi is not playing in the ongoing Messi Cup 2026.
The 13-year-old is not on the Inter Miami CF roster due to age restrictions. The ongoing event is strictly an under-16 tournament. While his club is invited to the youth tournament, Thiago is not eligible, as he currently plays in U-13 / U-14 academy squads.
Messi Cup 2026: How To Watch
The official Messi Cup website lists Disney+, ESPN+, and ESPN as the official platforms to stream the games globally. Platforms vary by territory, so users are advised to verify for their specific country. Scouts and football fanatics worldwide keep an eye on the tournament in order to identify exceptional talents, with many users searching for Messi Cup 2026 live streaming options. Check the confirmed broadcaster lists of the countries below.
Region / Country | Official TV Channels | Official Streaming Platforms | Local Kick-off Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|
United States | ESPN / ESPN Deportes | ESPN+ / Apple TV app | 10 AM - 2:30 PM ET |
United Kingdom | None | Disney+ | 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM BST |
European Countries (EU Nations) | None | Disney+ | - |
Indonesia | None | Disney+ Hotstar | - |
Note: For regions outside of the US, UK, and Europe, the exact distribution relies on local ESPN television channels or local regional variants of the Disney/ESPN streaming architecture rather than a standalone dedicated app.
Messi Cup 2026: Participating Nations
The Messi Cup brings together under-16 youth teams from elite clubs across the globe. Lionel Messi himself was present to inaugurate the event, notably skipping the Ballon d'Or ceremony to attend the Boca Juniors vs UE Cornella game. The second edition of the Messi Cup features an expanded 16-team roster, doubling the team count from the inaugural tournament in 2025.
Region | Participating Clubs |
|---|---|
Argentina | Boca Juniors, Newell's Old Boys, River Plate |
Brazil | Flamengo, Palmeiras |
Ecuador | Independiente del Valle |
Spain | FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, UE Cornellà |
England | Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City |
Italy | Inter Milan |
Netherlands | Ajax |
Portugal | Benfica |
United States (Host) | Inter Miami CF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the first edition of the Messi Cup in 2025?
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Who won the first edition of the Messi Cup in 2025?
Argentine club River Plate won the first edition of the Messi Cup in 2025.
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