Inter Miami CF’s U14 academy side crowned champions in Punta Cana

Inter Miami CF’s U14 academy side lifted the international youth tournament in Punta Cana on June 29 with a 3-0 victory over GOT FC in the final. The win capped a flawless run through the Dominican Republic event, where Thiago Messi and his teammates dominated from start to finish.

What happened in the Dominican Republic?

The tournament ran from June 24 to 29 at Cap Cana Sports City, drawing 103 teams and over 2,000 players from 20 countries across U12 to U16 age groups. Inter Miami’s U14s booked their place in the final by beating GOT FC 3-0, completing a perfect week that included three straight group-stage wins and a combined 18 goals scored while conceding just one.

Before lifting the trophy, the academy side navigated the knockout rounds without dropping a point. Their run included a quarterfinal victory that avenged last season’s quarterfinal exit, when Thiago’s team fell short of the semifinals. This year’s triumph signals clear progress under the club’s youth setup, which is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing in U.S. soccer.

Thiago Messi’s trophy cabinet keeps growing

Thiago Messi’s personal haul now includes four titles in 14 months: the Weston Cup U12 in 2024, the Weston Cup U13 in 2025, and back-to-back Dreams Cup trophies secured in late 2025 and May 2026. The Punta Cana triumph adds another notch to his belt as he continues to develop at Inter Miami’s academy.

His father, Lionel Messi, was busy on the senior stage at the 2026 World Cup, where he set a new all-time scoring record with 19 goals and led Argentina through a perfect group stage. Neither Messi nor his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, could attend the final in person due to national team duty.

What’s next for Inter Miami’s youth ranks?

The academy’s rapid ascent underlines the club’s commitment to building talent from within. With Thiago turning 14 in November, the focus shifts to the next age group and the challenge of sustaining this momentum. The U14s’ success follows a string of strong showings across the academy’s younger teams, positioning Inter Miami CF as a rising force in U.S. youth development.

The club’s youth setup has drawn praise for its modern facilities and structured pathway, which has already begun to funnel players into the first team. For Thiago and his teammates, the Punta Cana title is more than silverware—it’s proof the academy’s blueprint is working.