Lionel Messi scored a brilliant individual goal and provided an assist for new signing Germán Bertarami in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona SC of Ecuador in a preseason friendly.
The Argentine forward opened the scoring for the MLS champions in the 31st minute, after a run from deep into the penalty area, before beating two defenders and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the net.
This was Messi’s first goal of 2026.
Golazo de Leo 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/8p8wbvNCXc
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 8, 2026
The Ecuadorian side briefly equalized through João Rojas, before Messi helped restore Miami’s lead in first-half stoppage time. The 38-year-old delivered a pinpoint cross that found Bertarami on the edge of the box, and the Mexican striker tapped in after the ball deflected off a defender.
This was the perfect way for Berterami to celebrate his first start for Inter Miami since his $15 million move from Mexican side Monterrey at the end of last month.
With this result, Inter Miami has only managed one win in its three South American matches, following an opening loss to Peruvian side Alianza Lima and a victory over Colombian side Atlético Nacional last week.
Coach Javier Mascherano’s team will conclude their preseason preparations with a match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico this Friday, before kicking off their 2026 MLS campaign against Los Angeles FC on February 21.
