Messi inaugurates second Messi Cup in Miami with doubled participation

Messi inaugurated the second Messi Cup in Miami with 16 academies from nine countries; Boca Juniors beat Manchester City 3-0 and Palmeiras defeated Barcelona 2-0 on opening day.

Leo Messi opened the second edition of the Messi Cup on Sunday at Inter Miami CF Stadium, a youth football tournament that has doubled its participant numbers from the inaugural event. The competition brings together 16 clubs from nine countries across three continents, featuring some of the world's leading football academies.

Messi addressed the young players at the opening ceremony, encouraging them to enjoy the experience beyond results. "Enjoy the tournament, beyond the result, competing and living the experience, making friends from different places in the world and knowing different cultures," he told them, expressing hope the championship would leave lasting memories.

Opening day delivered surprises and goals. Boca Juniors stunned Manchester City 3-0 with three goals in five minutes (13th-17th), while Palmeiras beat Barcelona 2-0. Atlético Madrid defeated Benfica 2-0, and defending champions River Plate drew 0-0 with Chelsea. The eight-day tournament will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.