Flamengo Qualify for Messi Cup 2026 in Fort Lauderdale

Flamengo have confirmed their participation in the second edition of the Messi Cup, taking place in Fort Lauderdale, United States. Between October 25th and November 1st, the academy's elite youth contingent will face some of world football's top clubs in what the Rio side say is a crucial broadening of competitive horizons for their base categories.

International tournament participation sits at the core of Flamengo's academy development strategy, designed to expose young players to different tactical cultures and elite-level competition.

"Flamengo operates under very clear criteria when considering tournament invitations," explained Alfredo Almeida, the club's youth football director. "When we're invited, we conduct thorough analysis of logistics, organisational standards, competitive strength, and more. We look for tournaments that fit our calendar, but crucially ones that present appropriate difficulty and a different competitive environment to what we find domestically."

The Messi Cup ticks those boxes. This second edition brings together 16 teams from nine countries across three continents, with 48 matches across eight days. Though officially a U-16 category event, Flamengo will field primarily their 2011-born cohort (U-15), with the regulations permitting the inclusion of two 2010-born players.

"We also consider the broader experience the boys will gain—exposure to different contexts, different delegations, different playing styles," Almeida added.

Adriano Fontes / CRF

The Rubro-Negro delegation departs on October 23rd, arriving in the United States on October 24th. The squad will be based in Hollywood Beach, approximately 10-15 minutes from Inter Miami's training facility, where all tournament matches will be held. The return flight to Brazil is scheduled for November 2nd, with arrival the following day.

Alongside Flamengo, the competition features Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Ajax and Benfica from Europe. South America will be represented by Palmeiras, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Newell's Old Boys and Independiente del Valle. Inter Miami—Lionel Messi's club—and Spanish side UE Cornellà complete the 16-team field.

The clubs are divided into four groups of four. First-phase opponents remain unconfirmed, with Flamengo's opener set for October 25th. After three group-stage matches, the top two from each group advance to the Gold Cup quarter-finals, while the bottom two enter the Silver Cup quarter-finals. Semi-finals and finals follow for each competition.

River Plate arrive as defending champions, having beaten Atlético Madrid 2-0 in last year's final.

José Rodrigo, coordinator of youth football processes, acknowledged that medal ambition drives preparation but sits within a broader mission.

"Our primary objective is to give the boys this new experience. Of course, they're training and we're preparing to compete and pursue the title, but what these young men take from this trip will far exceed any trophy or final score."