Palmeiras were crowned champions of the 2026 Messi Cup after beating River Plate 1‑0 in the final played at the Inter Miami stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The goal, headed by Miguel in the ninth minute, sealed the victory and prevented the Argentine club from maintaining its consecutive title.
The Messi Cup 2026, an international under-16 competition organized by Lionel Messi, brought together 16 world elite teams divided into four groups. The groups faced each other in the group stage and the best advanced to the playoffs of the Gold and Silver cups. Palmeiras and River Plate were the two teams that reached the final of the Gold Cup, while in the final of the Silver Cup, Newell's Old Boys beat UE Cornellà 2‑0.
The final match was played in the first week of November, at the Inter Miami facilities. From the beginning, both teams showed a high level of play, but Palmeiras managed to score early thanks to a header from Miguel after a precise cross. River Plate tried to react, but the score remained at 1‑0 until the end of the match. Miguel's goal was enough to secure the victory and the title for the Brazilian club.
The tournament began on October 25 and has become an important platform for identifying young talents. The participation of teams such as River Plate, Newell's Old Boys and UE Cornellà, owned by the former Barça player, demonstrates the relevance of the competition. Palmeiras, with its victory, positions itself as one of the most promising teams in the under-16 category internationally.
With the conquest of the Messi Cup 2026, Palmeiras adds an international title to its youth record and reinforces its reputation as a talent pool. The tournament will continue to be closely followed by clubs and fans looking for the next generation of world football stars.