Nothing says the return of Main League Soccer is across the nook fairly like Lionel Messi netting his first purpose of 2026. In a preseason pleasant going through Barcelona FC — the Ecuadorian Barcelona — Messi scored fairly a purpose throughout Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with the membership. He additionally added an help to new ahead German Berterame, which will likely be a connection that’s used a lot in the course of the season because the Herons will look to remain on the high of the league after successful the MLS Cup for the primary time in membership historical past in December of 2025.

Messi’s purpose was fairly a sight to see, with the Argentine taking the ball on the dribble from the middle circle earlier than beating a defender and delivering a devastating end to beat Barcelona keeper Jose Contreras within the web. 

After a season the place Messi received the MLS MVP award for the second consecutive season, he scored loads of objectives from each angle possible. Messi tallied the second-most purpose contributions in league historical past with 48 from 29 objectives and 19 assists, whereas additionally changing into the second participant in league historical past to steer the league in each objectives and assists alongside Sebastian Giovinco.

There is not any query that as Messi gears up for the 2026 season with Miami and prepares to steer Argentina on the World Cup, he is nonetheless received a lot in his legs to torture defenders across the league. With Miami set to maneuver to their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in April of this yr, issues are solely getting greater and higher for the Herons.

As all the time, stress will likely be on Miami to succeed, however with extra objectives like this one in retailer in the course of the season, they’re set to select up the place they left off on the finish of final marketing campaign whereas participating in Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and MLS play.

Miami will kick off their common season by travelling to Los Angeles to face Heung-min Son and Los Angeles FC on Saturday, Feb. 21.