📸 Photo via Inter Miami CF on X
Lionel Messi scored his first goal of 2026 and Germán Berterame scored his first for Inter Miami in a preseason thriller against Barcelona SC. The long-awaited linkup finally arrived, and it took only 45 minutes for Miami’s new attack to explode into life. Messi and Inter Miami’s record Designated Player lined up together for the first time—and immediately delivered two goals that electrified Guayaquil.
This was more than a friendly. It was a preview of what Miami hope becomes the most dangerous duo in MLS and CONCACAF this year.
Messi Opens 2026 With a Vintage Goal
Messi produced the opening moment of brilliance.
He dribbled past multiple defenders and beat the goalkeeper with a stunning finish—an audacious strike that left the stadium in disbelief. Even at 39 years old, Messi continues to score goals that football fans cannot fully comprehend.
The craziest part?
Barcelona SC fans stood and applauded a goal scored against them. The stadium shook with chants of:
“Messi! Messi! Messi!”
A reminder that Lionel Messi does not play away games—he plays in front of his global fanbase.
Barcelona SC Respond, but Messi and Berterame Strike Again
The hosts equalized 10 minutes later. From a corner, Joao Rojas rose highest and headed the ball past Dayne St. Clair. Miami’s new goalkeeper looked caught in two minds, giving Rojas the space he needed.
But right before halftime, Messi created Miami’s second moment of magic.
He delivered a beautiful pass into space, finding Berterame, who used his physicality to hold off a defender and finish calmly.
It was Berterame’s first Inter Miami goal—and the beginning of a partnership supporters have been waiting for.
If Miami want to chase trophies in 2026, this is exactly the connection they will rely on.
Messi Subbed as Precaution—No Injury Signs After Review
Early in the second half, Javier Mascherano substituted Lionel Messi after just 12 minutes. The decision led to speculation online about a possible injury scare.
However, after reviewing footage from multiple angles, there was no visible sign of discomfort or injury. It appears to have been a precautionary move, especially considering Messi’s workload and upcoming fixtures.
Losing Messi before the season begins would be devastating for Miami, but nothing from this match suggests any cause for alarm.
Miami Push for a Third but Lose Momentum After Ayala’s Red Card
Luis Suárez entered for Messi and helped Miami push forward. Young midfielder Santi Morales had a great chance in the 86th minute but missed the target.
Moments later, the match changed. David Ayala, who joined Miami this offseason as a U22 Initiative signing, was sent off after a harsh tackle on Barcelona SC’s striker. Ayala will now miss Miami’s next friendly.
The red card allowed Barcelona SC to attack aggressively, and Tomás Martínez punished Miami with a late equalizer. St. Clair made several strong saves throughout the second half but couldn’t stop this one.
Mamadi Jiana Nearly Becomes the Hero
Miami almost stole the win in stoppage time.
Draft pick Mamadi Jiana had a clear one-on-one chance but collided with the goalkeeper and missed the opportunity. He received a yellow card for the challenge, but the moment showed Mascherano’s trust in the youth players he has been developing throughout the preseason.
Mascherano has consistently used preseason matches to give meaningful minutes to Miami’s MLS SuperDraft picks—an important step in building squad depth.
Mascherano’s Post-Match Thoughts
Mascherano praised the team’s improvement despite the 2–2 draw:
“Overall, I’m satisfied. I think we played a better game than the previous one. Sometimes the result hides the analysis, but we focus on the game itself. We’re continuing on a path of improvement.”
On the match itself:
“It was a balanced game. They started better, but after fifteen or twenty minutes we controlled the ball and found solutions. That allowed us to find Leo in the positions we want, and from there we built attacks until the first goal came.”
Once again, the stadium was packed.
Estadio Banco Pichincha was filled to capacity, continuing the trend from Peru and Colombia—Inter Miami’s preseason matches have turned into major events across South America.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami will now face Independiente Del Valle on February 13th in Puerto Rico, the final match of the Champions Tour.
After that, Miami kick off their MLS season in a blockbuster opening fixture against LAFC, featuring star forward Heung-min Son.
With Messi shining, Berterame scoring immediately, Suárez contributing, and Mascherano continuing to shape the squad, Miami are building momentum toward what could be a historic 2026 campaign.
