Ajax Under‑16 receives invitation to the Messi Cup in Miami

Ajax Under‑16 has received an invitation to the Messi Cup, an international youth tournament that takes place in Miami for the second time this year with the cooperation of Lionel Messi. The team will play three group matches from 25 October to 1 November.

Last year's edition still had eight participating clubs; this year the field has been expanded to sixteen teams, significantly increasing the size.

European participant field

The European part consists of Ajax, Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Benfica, Chelsea, Internazionale and Manchester City.

The other participants are Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami, Newell's Old Boys, Palmeiras, River Plate and UE Cornellà. Newell's Old Boys is the youth club of Lionel Messi, while UE Cornellà is owned by the Argentine.

According to the official schedule the sixteen teams are divided into four groups, after which a knock‑out stage follows. Ajax will play at least three group matches in Miami.

Last year River Plate won the tournament, with the trophy being presented by Messi himself.