Lionel Messi scores his first goal in 2026 with Inter Miami's draw against Barcelona SC

The 2026 football calendar has officially begun the way every fan hoped it would: with Lionel Messi finding the back of the net. In a night that will be etched into the sporting memory of Ecuador, the Inter Miami captain opened his scoring account for the year during a thrilling 2-2 draw against Barcelona SC. The friendly, held at the iconic Banco Pichincha Stadium in Guayaquil, was more than just a preseason match; it was a full-scale celebration of "Messimania" just months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America.

In the 30th minute, the capacity crowd held its collective breath. Messi received the ball near the edge of the box—a territory the Argentine has claimed as his own for over two decades. With the agility of a teenager and the composure of a legend, he spun away from two defenders with a trademark shimmy. Before the goalkeeper, José David Contreras, could even set his feet, Messi unleashed a pinpoint, low-driven left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

At 38 years old, Messi proved once again that his relationship with the goal transcends age. This was his first tally of 2026 with the "Herons," a goal that not only put Inter Miami ahead 2-1 at the time but also served as a testament to the rigorous physical preparation he has undergone during this international tour.

Despite the magic of Messi, the local side, managed by César Farías, refused to play the role of a mere spectator. Barcelona SC’s response was immediate and physical. Joao Rojas took advantage of a lapse in Miami’s aerial defense, connecting with a powerful header following a corner kick to beat the visiting keeper. The equalizer sent the "Coloso del Salado" into a frenzy, proving that the Ecuadorian giants were more than capable of going toe-to-toe with Miami’s roster of international stars.

Shortly before the halftime whistle, Inter Miami struck again, highlighting a promising new partnership. Germán Berterame, one of the high-profile additions to the Pink and Black squad, celebrated his first goal for the club. The strike was served on a silver platter by Messi, whose vision and unselfishness continue to be the engine of the team's creative play.

As the second half progressed, the Inter Miami coaching staff prioritized player health and load management. Messi departed the pitch in the 57th minute to a standing ovation, replaced by his longtime strike partner, Luis Suárez.

However, without their talisman, Miami’s midfield lost its composure. The situation went from bad to worse when David Ayala was shown a red card, leaving the Herons with ten men. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Barcelona SC launched a relentless offensive, eventually finding the 2-2 equalizer in the 87th minute through Tomás Martínez.

This match in Guayaquil marks a pivotal stop in Inter Miami’s extensive preseason tour, which has seen the club travel through Peru, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. While results have been mixed—including a dominant win over Atlético Nacional and a tough loss in Lima—the primary goal remains match fitness.

With the MLS season set to debut on February 21st, Inter Miami appears to be finding its rhythm. For Lionel Messi, the mission is clear: stay healthy, stay sharp, and keep the world watching. If his performance in Ecuador is any indication, the 2026 season is going to be one for the ages.