Ajax will send its O16 team to the tournament, which will feature 16 teams in total. The Amsterdam club will face off against other European teams, including Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona, Benfica, Chelsea, Internazionale, Manchester City and UE Cornellà, of which Messi is the owner. The South American participants include Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami, Newell's Old Boys, Palmeiras and River Plate, the winner of the first edition.
The Messi Cup will be held in Miami, where Ajax will play at least three group stage matches between 25 October and 1 November. The opponents of the Amsterdam team are yet to be confirmed.