Lionel Messi is scheduled to attend a rare public speaking engagement in the United States next month. On November 5 and 6, 2025, the soccer superstar will be featured at the American Business Forum (ABF) at the Caseya Center in Miami.
The event marks the first U.S. event for the forum, which has been held in South America for the past decade and is positioned as a global platform for leaders in business, sports, politics and culture.
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Forum organizers emphasize its role as a gathering place for influential figures to shape the debate on innovation, leadership and global development. Former Miami Mayor Francis Schles, Chairman of the ABF Board of Directors, expressed pride in hosting the event that brings international leaders to Miami.
“We are proud to welcome them as they share their insights with the people building the businesses that will shape the future,” Schles said. ABF founder Ignacio Gonzalez described the Miami edition as a natural extension of the Forum’s mission, branding the event under the slogan “Worlds Meet in America.”
Messi will join an extensive roster of speakers across multiple disciplines. Notable participants include U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Argentine President Javier Millay, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, actor and producer Will Smith, and JPMorgan Cheyenne. They include Citadel CEO Jamie Dimon, Citadel founder Ken Griffin, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Flow co-founder Adam Neumann, Nobel Peace Prize winner Mara Colina Machado, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
The line-up highlights ABF’s strategy to unite business, politics, sports and entertainment into one forum.
Messi’s role and the significance of the forum
Messi’s participation is particularly notable given his limited participation in business-oriented speaking engagements. This look reflects a strategic expansion of his personal brand and positions him as an influential figure beyond the sport.
Attendees will gain insight into Messi’s perspective on leadership, global influence, and the intersection of sport and business, and will have a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the world’s most famous athletes.
For Miami, hosting the forum will strengthen the city’s position as a center for international business and cultural exchange. The event leverages Miami’s unique position as a bridge between the United States and Latin America and focuses on Miami’s growing influence in finance, technology and entertainment.
Organizers aim to use the forum to foster dialogue among world leaders and highlight cross-industry innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
Tickets for this event are available now, with early bird prices discounted to $100 until October 29th. Standard admission prices start at $890. Attendees will have access to keynotes, panel discussions, and interviews with prominent speakers, giving them the opportunity to address global trends and leadership strategies from diverse perspectives.
Messi’s presence at ABF Miami 2025 is expected to attract significant media attention and public interest. His involvement exemplifies the increasingly important role of athletes in discussions about leadership across disciplines.
Messi’s involvement demonstrates how the world’s athletes are extending their influence across disciplines and contributing to the broader conversation by participating alongside political leaders, corporate executives, and cultural icons.
