Messi set to face Barcelona in preseason clash

Inter Miami's 2026 pre-season tour includes matches in Peru, Colombia & Ecuador.
Messi's Inter Miami will play Barcelona de Guayaquil(ECU) on February 7.
Messi led Inter Miami to MLS Cup title with 43 goals and 25 assists in 2025.

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Lionel Messi will be up against Barcelona as Inter Miami have announced their pre-season tour on Saturday (December 27).

Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon

d'Or winner whose La Masia roots fueled a legendary rivalry with FC Barcelona in Spain, will finally lace up against a "Barcelona" side. But hold that thought, not the Blaugrana from Catalonia you're picturing. This Barcelona de Guayaquil is Ecuador's most successful club, with a record 16 top-flight titles and a proud legacy in South American fútbol.

Inter Miami, fresh off their MLS Cup triumph, announced the first three matches of their 2026 preseason slate. The Herons will embark on an exciting South American tour, facing clubs in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador to gear up for their seventh season.

The tour kicks off in Lima, Peru, where Inter Miami faces Alianza Lima on Saturday, January 24, at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva. Alianza, Peru's second-most decorated club with 25 domestic titles and an international trophy, marks the club's second straight preseason visit to the venue.

They will head to MedellÍn in Colombia, for a showdown with Atletico Nacional on Saturday, January 31, at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. The tour caps with a blockbuster in Guayaquil, Ecuador, against Barcelona on Saturday, February 7, at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, thus becoming the MLS club's first-ever Ecuadorian opponent.

Messi had a stellar season with Inter Miami in 2025, where he led the club to their first MLS Cup title. He was the star performer for Miami, scoring 43 goals and having 25 assists. The Argentine ened up with 74 goal contributions in the calendar year for club and country.