Inter Miami beat Barcelona SC 2-1 in a preseason clash ahead of the start of official competitions. Lionel Messi and his teammates are looking to build match sharpness ahead of their Major League Soccer season opener, while the Ecuadorian side will soon begin their Copa Libertadores campaign.
The Herons are taking steps to rebuild a solid team after several roster changes compared to the 2025 season. For that reason, coach Javier Mascherano has prioritized these preseason friendlies, always fielding all available stars on the pitch.
Lionel Messi has featured in both previous matches this year: the 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima in Peru and last week’s 2-1 win over Atletico Nacional in Colombia. In both games, the Argentine forward was substituted in the second half as he works to regain his best physical and match form ahead of a demanding year at both club and international level.
53’ – Chance for Silvetti (1-2)
The young Argentine forward fired off target from inside the box.
49’ – Barcelona SC come close! (1-2)
Johan Garcia fired from distance, but his shot rattled off the post.
Second half underway!
Inter Miami are leading 2-1 against Barcelona SC.
Halftime!
Inter Miami lead Barcelona SC 2-1.
47' - GOOOOAAAL FOR INTER MIAMI! (1-2)
German Berterame received a pass from Messi and finished with a left-footed strike.
41’ – GOOOOAL FOR BARCELONA SC! (1-1)
Joao Rojas scored the equalizer with a header.
36’ – Another chance for the Herons (0-1)
Messi played a brilliant pass to Telasco Segovia, who fired over the crossbar from inside the box.
30’ – Messi scores! (0-1)
The Argentine forward weaved through the defense and fired a stunning left-footed shot into the net.
29’ – Big chance for Inter Miami! (0-0)
Following a free kick from Messi, Micael came close to scoring.
25’ – The Herons survive a scare (0-0)
Milton Celiz made a strong play that Garcia nearly finished with a shot inside the penalty area, but Maximiliano Falcon stepped in to block the attempt.
20’ – First booking of the match (0-0)
Ian Fray is shown the yellow card.
14’ – Messi’s first involvement (0-0)
Lionel Messi had his first opportunity inside the opposition box, but the assistant referee raised the flag for an earlier offside.
8’ – First chance for Inter Miami! (0-0)
Mateo Silvetti fired a right-footed shot that was saved by goalkeeper Jose David Contreras.
5’ – Barcelona SC controlling possession (0-0)
In the opening minutes of the match, the hosts have taken the initiative.
The match is underway!
Barcelona SC and Inter Miami are now playing.
Inter Miami approach the start of the 2026 season
After completing their preseason tour of Latin America, Inter Miami will return to Florida to focus fully on the start of the official season. Their 2026 Major League Soccer opener will be on Saturday, February 21, against Los Angeles FC in California. In the Concacaf Champions Cup, they will begin competition on March 11, facing the winner of the matchup between Nashville SC and Atletico Ottawa.
Confirmed Barcelona SC lineup
To face Inter Miami this Saturday, head coach Cesar Farias has selected the following XI: Jose David Contreras; Bryan Carabali, Javier Baez, Luca Sosa; Jonathan Perlaza, Milton Celiz, Matias Lugo, Jandry Gomez, Joao Rojas, Johan Garcia, Sergio Nuñez.
Confirmed Inter Miami lineup
Head coach Javier Mascherano has selected the following XI to face Barcelona SC: Dayne St Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti.
18’ – Messi goes close! (0-0)
The Argentine forward took a free kick that was saved by the Barcelona SC goalkeeper.
Inter Miami’s next friendly
Saturday’s match is the Herons’ third game of the preseason. After a 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima and a 2-1 win over Atletico Nacional, they will have just one more friendly following tonight’s game against Barcelona SC. That final preseason match will take place on Friday, February 13, against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.
The stadium for Saturday’s match
Barcelona SC will host Inter Miami at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The venue opened in 1987 and currently has a capacity of 57,000 spectators.
In addition to being the home of Barcelona SC, the stadium has often been used by the Ecuador national team and has hosted major tournaments, including the 1993 Copa America, the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and several World Cup qualifying matches.
Barcelona SC and Inter Miami meet in a preseason friendly
Welcome to our live blog for this Saturday’s preseason friendly between Barcelona SC and Inter Miami. Stay with us for pregame coverage and, once the opening whistle blows, all the minute-by-minute updates.
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