"FC Barcelona's under-16s opened their Messi Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against River Plate in Miami, battling back late on a humid first day that delivered goals, big storylines, and a strong dose of spotlight thanks to the presence of Lionel Messi himself. The inaugural edition of the youth tournament, created by Messi's production company and unveiled back in October, brings together eight of the world's top academies for a week of competition at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center."
"Barça struck first against River when Ruslan Mba unleashed a driven effort from distance in the 33rd minute, a reward for the team's early control. But the match flipped after the break. River equalized through Bruno Cabral from the penalty spot just before the hour, then took the lead four minutes later when Joaquín Amor reacted quickest inside the box to guide in an instinctive finish."
Barcelona under-16s opened their Messi Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against River Plate in Miami after Ahmed Abarkane's 80th-minute rebound equalizer. Ruslan Mba put Barça ahead in the 33rd minute with a driven effort from distance. River Plate responded after halftime with a Bruno Cabral penalty and a Joaquín Amor instinctive finish to take the lead. The inaugural tournament, created by Messi's production company, features eight top academies competing at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium and the Florida Blue Training Center. Lionel Messi officially inaugurated the event, receiving an ovation and interacting warmly with the young players. The draw leaves Barça well placed in a tightly balanced group and provides a valuable test for a progressing generation.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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