Lionel Messi scored for the first time in 2026 to break the deadlock for Inter Miami in their friendly against Barcelona Sports Club in Ecuador on Saturday.
The goal came in the 31st minute when Messi dribbled past three Barcelona players to eventually score and give his side a 1-0 lead at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Ecuador.
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has now scored in 22 consecutive calendar years.
Watch the goal below:
However, Miami drew the match 2–2 after Tomas Martinez scored a late equalizer for Barcelona.
Miami, the Major League Soccer Cup champions, opens its regular season against Los Angeles FC on Feb. 21 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Published on February 8, 2026
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