Soccer. Messi leaves his presence at the 2026 World Cup up in the air
Lionel Messi is scheduled to make one of his infrequent public speaking appearances in the United States next month. On November 5-6, 2025, the soccer superstar will be featured at the America Business Forum (ABF) at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
The event marks the forum’s debut in the U.S., after being held in South America for the past decade, and is positioned as a global platform for leaders across business, sports, politics, and culture.
The forum’s organizers emphasize its role as a gathering point for influential figures to shape discussions on innovation, leadership, and global development. Former Miami Mayor Francis Suárez, president of the ABF board, expressed pride in hosting an event that brings international leaders to Miami.
“We are proud to welcome them to share insights with the people building the businesses that will shape the future,” Suárez said. ABF founder Ignacio Gonzalez described the Miami edition as a natural extension of the forum’s mission, branding the event under the slogan “The world meets in America.”
Messi will join an extensive roster of speakers that spans multiple sectors. Notable participants include U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, actor and producer Will Smith, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Citadel founder Ken Griffin, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Flow co-founder Adam Neumann, Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
The lineup underscores ABF’s strategy of combining business, politics, sports, and entertainment in a single forum.
Messi’s participation is particularly notable given his limited engagement in business-oriented public speaking. The appearance reflects a strategic extension of his personal brand, positioning him as an influential figure beyond sports.
Attendees will likely gain insights into Messi’s perspectives on leadership, global influence, and the intersection of sport and business, offering a rare opportunity for direct engagement with one of the world’s most recognized athletes.
For Miami, hosting the forum reinforces the city’s position as a hub for international business and cultural exchange. The event capitalizes on Miami’s unique status as a bridge between the United States and Latin America and highlights its growing influence in finance, technology, and entertainment.
Organizers aim to use the forum to facilitate dialogue between global leaders, emphasizing innovation and collaborative problem-solving across industries.
Tickets for the event are currently available, with early-bird pricing reduced to $100 until October 29. Standard admission starts at $890. Attendees will have access to keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interviews with high-profile speakers, providing opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives on global trends and leadership strategies.
Messi’s presence at ABF Miami 2025 is expected to draw significant media attention and public interest. His involvement exemplifies the increasingly prominent role of sports figures in cross-sector leadership discussions.
By participating alongside political leaders, business executives, and cultural icons, Messi’s engagement illustrates how global athletes are expanding their influence beyond the field and contributing to broader conversations.
