The 2026 Saint Lucia International Masters Football Invitational has wrapped up its six-day competition at the iconic Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with both division titles heading back to the United States after two dramatic final matches held on Monday night. The tournament, which brought together veteran football talents from across North America, the Caribbean, and beyond, delivered tense, skill-filled action that celebrated the enduring passion of masters-level football.
In the hotly contested Over-40 division, the American side Ballers Forever claimed the championship title, overcoming the defending champions from Trinidad and Tobago to lift the trophy. Ballers Forever booked their spot in the May 25 final with back-to-back 2-1 victories: first defeating SSC Bimshire in the quarterfinals, followed by a narrow win over Hope International from St Vincent & the Grenadines in the semifinal. Waiting for them in the title match was Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force Past Players, the defending champions, who had stormed through their own knockout round with an 8-1 rout of Vieux Fort South and a 4-0 win against St Francois Masters.
The final got off to a strong start for the defending champions, as Stern John – Concacaf’s all-time leading goal scorer and current head coach of the Saint Lucia men’s national team – found the back of the net to put his side ahead early. The score held until the 56th minute, when challenger Ballers Forever earned a penalty that Kendel Jagdeosingh coolly converted to level the match. With just eight minutes left on the clock, a second penalty was awarded to Ballers Forever, and the side converted once again to lock in a 2-1 victory and secure the Over-40 crown.
Across in the Over-50 division, it was another American outfit, Pele Masters, that walked away with the title, defeating host nation side Masters Reloaded in a tense, physical match marked by pre-game controversy. The local Saint Lucian side, Masters Reloaded, entered the final as defending champions, boasting a roster stacked with former international stars including Earl “Ball Hog” Jean, Titus “Titi” Elva, and Andy “Butu” Jn Baptiste. Jean delivered a sensational semifinal performance, scoring a hat-trick to secure a 3-2 win over Canada’s La Familia and book a spot in the title match. Pele Masters advanced to the final with a dominant 5-1 win over Dennery United FC, but made headlines before kickoff when they formally protested the eligibility of a Masters Reloaded player, claiming the local side had fielded an unregistered competitor.
The protest ultimately did not change the match lineup, and the game got off to a tense start, with a lengthy stoppage for an injury leaving the first half deadlocked at 0-0. It was not until the second half that Pele Masters broke through, when forward Basil Burke fired an unstoppable long-range shot past the goalkeeper to score what would prove the match-winning goal, securing the Over-50 title for the American visitors.
When the final whistles blew, individual awards were handed out to the tournament’s standout players. Former St Vincent & the Grenadines international Kendall Velox of Pele Masters was named the Over-50 tournament MVP, while his teammate Trevor Isaac took home the honor of best goalkeeper. Ballers Forever’s Kendel Jagdeosingh, who scored both of his side’s goals in the Over-40 final, was recognized as the Over-40 MVP for his performance throughout the competition.
Closing out the week-long tournament, Alvin Malaykhan, CEO of Veterans in Sport Inc., the organizer of the invitational, praised the players and crowds that made the 2026 edition a success. “Over six unforgettable days, from May 20 to May 25, football legends from across the region and internationally came together in Saint Lucia to celebrate competition, camaraderie, culture and passion for the beautiful game,” Malaykhan said. “Your energy, discipline, sportsmanship and support helped create an atmosphere that once again showcased the true spirit of Masters football and Caribbean unity. This tournament continues to evolve into one of the Caribbean’s premier Masters football and sports tourism experiences, and it is all possible because of you.”