Messi opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a signature solo run. He accelerated from midfield to the edge of the penalty area, shifted the ball to his favored left foot, eluded two opposing defenders, then fired a diagonal shot past the Barcelona SC goalkeeper. This was the Argentine superstar's first goal of 2026.
The Ecuadorian team equalized shortly after through Joao Rojas. In first-half stoppage time, Messi again made his mark with an assist that helped Inter Miami regain the lead. From the right wing, the 38-year-old forward passed to German Berterame, who shot from the edge of the penalty area; the ball deflected off a defender and into the net.
This marked an ideal starting debut for Berterame with Inter Miami, following his transfer to the club for USD 15 million from Liga MX side Monterrey late last month.
Messi left the field after more than one hour of play, making way for Luis Suarez. Inter Miami seemed poised to secure the victory until drama unfolded in the final minutes at Estadio Banco Pichincha. In the 87th minute, David Ayala, an Inter Miami substitute, was sent off. Just minutes later, Barcelona SC capitalized on their numerical advantage to score the equalizer through Tomas Martinez.
In the pre-match press conference, coach Javier Mascherano stated that Inter Miami would continue to strengthen their squad during the MLS transfer window, which extends until 26/3, although he affirmed satisfaction with the new signings the team has brought in recently.
"We have not closed the transfer window yet, because this period is longer than others. The club is always looking for players who can contribute and elevate the current squad", the Argentine coach said.
In preparation for the 2026 MLS season, Inter Miami has signed a number of new players, including: goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, defenders Sergio Reguilon and Facundo Mura, center-back Micael dos Santos, midfielder David Ayala, and forward German Berterame.
"I am satisfied with the signings we have made. Within the MLS system, especially for a club that has just won a championship like ours, the departure of key players makes the replacement process difficult", Mascherano shared. "However, the management has worked quickly and intelligently in scouting players, taking advantage of opportunities in the market."
According to the 41-year-old coach, Inter Miami benefited from seizing opportunities in transfers such as Dayne St. Clair, a free agent, and Facundo Mura, players who in other circumstances might have cost the club more and been harder to acquire. Mascherano particularly praised the signing of German Berterame, the Mexico national team forward expected to play a crucial role in the 2026 season, as Inter Miami will compete across multiple fronts, including: MLS, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup.
During their South American tour, Inter Miami lost to Alianza Lima (Peru), defeated Atletico Nacional (Colombia), before drawing with Barcelona SC. Messi and his teammates will conclude their preseason by facing Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico on 13/2.
Inter Miami will kick off their 2026 MLS season with an away match against LAFC on 21/2.
Hong Duy (according to ESPN)
