Barcelona eliminated the Inter Miami CF under-12 academy in the LaLiga FC Futures tournament on Friday, after the Spanish side scored five goals in 24 minutes to qualify to the quarterfinals.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi’s son, Thiago Messi, and Luis Suárez‘s son, Benjamín Suárez, entered the match needing to lose by fewer than two goals in order to advance, after holding Group A opponent Real Sociedad to a goalless draw during the inaugural match.
Despite strong efforts, the team fell quickly to a group-stage exit from the international tournament hosted at ESPN’s Wide World of sports in Orlando, Florida.
The competition, which includes the participation of 20 U12 teams from around the world, provides young players the opportunity to showcase their talent.
“The promotion of grassroots football and the reinforcement of football’s positive values are the initiative’s two main objectives. Every year, the world’s best youth clubs all come together for the tournament,” LaLiga said in a news release.
This year’s edition saw the likes of Real Betis, Flamengo, Inter Miami, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid participate.
Messi and Suárez joined Inter Miami’s youth academy after their fathers joined the Major League Club in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The parents have been active in the football development of their sons, attending training sessions and previous matches in Fort Lauderdale.
