Messi Cup kicks off with MLS MVP award handed to the Argentine star | OneFootball

The Messi Cup 2025, an under-16 youth tournament featuring eight of the world’s best clubs, began this Tuesday with its opening ceremony, which was highlighted by Lionel Messi receiving the Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, was present to hand the award to the Argentine star, just as he did in December 2024, when Messi won his first MVP.

“It was a special moment. They wanted the tournament presentation to be surrounded by children,” Garber explained.

In 2024, the MVP ceremony was an intimate event, with no press or fans in attendance. In contrast, the 2025 edition featured accredited media outlets and free admission for spectators. However, rain forced the cancellation of the parade of teams participating in the Messi Cup.

“It’s a shame, but it’s only the first day and there’s still a lot to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who is here with us,” Messi told those present.

About 200 people watched from the stands at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (on the outskirts of Miami) as the MVP award was presented and then enjoyed the tournament’s opening match between Inter Milan and Manchester City. Next up is Inter Miami’s debut, facing Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys in the day’s second match.

The Messi Cup brings together under-16 teams and is being held for the first time at Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center, both located within the Inter Miami complex in Fort Lauderdale.

The participating teams in the 2025 edition are Chelsea, Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Inter Miami, and Newell’s Old Boys. The tournament continues with the group stage until Friday, while the knockout stage and final will be played between Saturday and Sunday.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.