Messi scores 2026’s first goal against Barça.

Lionel Messi’s bond with the name “Barcelona” is legendary, woven with countless memories and deep emotions. Fittingly, he scored his first goal of 2026 against a team bearing that iconic name. Not only did Messi score, but he also orchestrated much of Inter Miami’s attacking play. Despite his brilliance, however, his team could not secure victory, settling for a 2-2 draw.

It is important to clarify that this “Barcelona” is not the famed Spanish club but Barcelona Sporting Club, based in Ecuador. Competing in Ecuador’s top-flight Serie A, Barcelona SC boasts a proud history as the only Ecuadorian club never to have been relegated to the second division — a feat reminiscent of Spain’s Barcelona, though La Liga has other clubs with similar longevity.

Messi selected this club as the opponent for his opening goal of the year. Prior to this, he had played two pre-season friendlies, though he failed to score in either. Finally, on this morning, the Argentine superstar found the net, marking his first goal of 2026 in the spotlight of Inter Miami’s celebrated “Champions Tour.”

The goal itself was vintage Messi. Receiving the ball near midfield, he drove forward, skilfully bypassing two defenders before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the net. This effort put Inter Miami ahead 1-0, providing a measure of relief after a prior 3-0 defeat to Alianza Lima and a 2-1 win over Atlético Nacional in which Messi had not scored.

Inter Miami’s lead was short-lived. Before halftime, the hosts equalised in the 41st minute, with João Rojas converting a Johan García cross to make it 1-1. Yet the team regained the advantage just before the break when new signing German Berterame scored, assisted by Messi, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 lead at the interval. Despite this, the visitors could not hold on, conceding in the second half to finish with a 2-2 draw.

Looking ahead, last season’s MLS champions, Inter Miami, are set to kick off their league campaign on 22 February against LA FC, seeking to build momentum from their pre-season performances.

Match Summary – Inter Miami vs Barcelona SC

Messi’s early-season goal has reignited excitement among fans, reminding the football world why his name continues to resonate across continents — whether in Miami, Ecuador, or Barcelona itself.