Palmeiras wins Messi Cup 2026

Palmeiras won the Messi Cup 2026 U-16 tournament, defeating defending champions River Plate 1-0 in the final at Inter Miami.

Palmeiras claimed the Messi Cup 2026 title on Sunday, beating River Plate 1-0 in the final at Inter Miami's facilities in Fort Lauderdale. A header from Miguel in the ninth minute settled the match, denying River back-to-back titles. The tournament brings together 16 of the world's best U-16 teams across four groups before knockout stages for the Gold and Silver Cups. In the Silver Cup final, Newell's Old Boys defeated UE Cornellà 2-0. The second edition of Lionel Messi's international youth tournament began on October 25.