Lionel Messi scores against BARCELONA in Inter Miami's pre-season clash

Lionel Messi kicked off his goalscoring account for 2026 in typical fashion as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Ecuadorian outfit Barcelona SC. The Herons rounded off their South America tour with a draw, which was made memorable by skipper Messi's goal.

Lionel Messi scores first goal of 2026

Messi failed to score a goal in either of his two pre-season appearances for Javier Mascherano's team before they travelled to Ecuador despite playing regularly. He entered his mini drought by rolling back the time with a goal that drew applause from all those present at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.

The Inter Miami skipper got the ball from Ian Fray just beyond the half-hour mark before starting a solo run that saw him cruise past defenders. The 38-year-old drove into the box before launching a strike into the top corner.

Lionel Messi shines for Inter Miami in draw against Barcelona SC

Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami as they played out a 2-2 draw with Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC in their final game in South America. The Herons played games in Peru and Colombia before visiting Ecuador to Take on the Guayaquil-based side in the final game of their tour.

Messi kicked off the scoring in the 31st minute with a great strike after an amazing solo run that saw him travel half the length of the field with the ball. The Herons were pegged back just ten minutes later as Joao Rojas headed home for the home side to level matters after a corner kick.

Lionel Messi then provided an assist for marquee signing German Berterame on his first start for the club, finding the Mexican with a cross-field pass. The former Monterrey player fired home with his left foot through a slight deflection to restore his side's lead, which they managed to hold until Messi was taken off after 57 minutes.

Inter Miami appeared to be on their way to claim a second win when new signing David Ayala was given a red card for a bad foul on Dario Benedetto in the 87th minute. The Ecuadorian team made the man advantage pay off quickly as Tomas Martinez finished from close range to earn his side a draw.