Messi’s First Inter Miami Goal: 2026 World Cup Hope?

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 championship with also, obviously, in the back of his mind, the World Cup, ready to defend the property of the Albiceleste acquired 4 years ago against the French team. Even if he left doubt about his participation. But there will be time to talk about that later…

Messi scorer and passer

While waiting for the 2026 World Cup, the 38-year-old (39 on June 24) shook the opposing nets for the first time this year. While his Inter Miami team is touring Central and South America, the scene happened in Ecuador. Opposed to the Barcelona SC club at the Monumental stadium in Guayaquil – one of the most violent ports in the Pacific (guarded by some 700 soldiers) – Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. With a little field in front of him, the number 10 eliminated two opponents, named Luca Sosa and Bryan Carabali, with his unrivaled ball handling and went to beat goalkeeper José David Contreras, after entering the penalty area, with a left-footed cross strike as he likes and as he has done hundreds of times since his professional debut.

Resumption on February 21 in MLS

Messi then turned into a passer by delivering a superb service for German Berterame, his new Mexican teammate, who arrived in January. Inter Miami did not win, however, conceding a draw (2-2) against the Ecuadorian team, crowned 16 times in its championship. The Florida club will resume the championship in a little less than two weeks, on February 21.

Inter Miami is still managed by Javier Mascherano and counts in its ranks Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, great friends of Messi. On the other hand, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets ended their careers last December after the MLS final won against the Vancouver Whitecaps (3-1).