Lionel Messi Scores First Goal of 2026 with Slick Finish in Inter Miami Friendly

Lionel Messi scores his first goal of 2026 after stunning solo run in Inter Miami pre-season clash

Lionel Messi opened his goalscoring account for 2026 in typical fashion as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Ecuadorian outfit Barcelona SC.

Lionel Messi scores first goal of 2026 with slick finish in Inter Miami friendly

The Argentina superstar scored against the Ecuadorian side with a nifty run and shot starting from the top of the box

Lionel Messi scores vs Barcelona SC in Inter Miami's pre-season friendly

Lionel Messi’s goal came in the 31st minute when he dribbled past three Barcelona players to eventually score and give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead in Ecuador.

Messi's First Inter Miami Goal: 2026 World Cup Hope? - Archysport

Emmanuel LANGELLIER, Media365, published on Sunday February 8, 2026 at 10:31 a.m. Currently touring Central and South America with his Inter Miami team, Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the new year. Crowned champion in Major League Soccer for the first time last year, Lionel Messi left for a tour, determined to win a new title in 2026. At the start of the year, the Argentinian is preparing for the new season of the North American champions…

Inter Miami’s South American Tour Ends With an Atmosphere MLS Can’t Replicate

Beginning with the 2024 preseason, Inter Miami has used the winter break ahead of the MLS regular season to expand the club’s international footprint while generating significant commercial revenue. In 2024, the club played a preseason match in El Salvador. In 2025, Inter Miami expanded that concept, traveling to Peru, Panama, and Honduras. The 2026 tour went a step further. Alongside a stop in Puerto Rico against Ecuadorian side Independiente d…

Lionel Messi scores his first goal of 2026 for Inter Miami in friendly vs Barcelona SC

Lionel Messi netted his first goal of the year to give Inter Miami the lead against Barcelona SC in an international club friendly.