AFC Ajax's youth academy has secured a prestigious international opportunity. The club's U-16 squad has been invited to compete in the Messi Cup tournament in Miami from 25 October to 1 November.
The event, organised with involvement from Lionel Messi, expands to sixteen participating academies this year. Ajax joins a strong European contingent featuring Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Benfica, Chelsea, Internazionale and Manchester City. They will face a non-European lineup including Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Inter Miami and River Plate. Lionel Messi said: "The trophy was presented by Lionel Messi himself."
For the young Ajax talents, this guarantees at least three group stage matches against elite global opposition. It represents a prime development opportunity outside their regular league schedule. The inaugural edition last year was won by River Plate.
The invitation arrives as the senior team sits fifth in the Eredivisie with 14 points from 7 games. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw and one loss from the last five league outings. The next fixture is a home match against NEC Nijmegen on 10 October. Supporters can keep track of the full first-team squad and fixtures.
Participation in the Messi Cup highlights the international standing of the Ajax youth system, providing a concrete platform to test talent against the world's best young players.
The report in full is at Voetbal International
