Inter Miami Takes on Barcelona SC in Preseason Tuneup
Inter Miami CF faced off against Barcelona SC in a club friendly match in Ecuador as the MLS champions gear up for the 2026 season. The match, held at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, marked the first competitive outing for Javier Mascherano’s squad in their South American preseason tour.
Messi Featured in Starting Lineup
Lionel Messi featured prominently in the Inter Miami lineup as the team sought to build momentum heading into the regular season. The fixture between Barcelona vs Inter Miami tested the defending MLS champions against one of Ecuador’s premier clubs, offering valuable preparation time before domestic play resumes.
Preseason Push After Mixed Results
This encounter with Barcelona SC came on the heels of Inter Miami’s preseason campaign in South America. The club opened its tour with a challenging 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima in Peru, where Messi played 63 minutes. Inter Miami responded with a 2-1 victory over Atlético Nacional in Colombia, aided by goals from Luis Suárez and an own goal.
Building Chemistry Ahead of MLS Campaign
The inter miami vs Barcelona SC matchup provided Mascherano’s team another opportunity to build cohesion and test tactical approaches before the MLS season commences. With multiple key players rested or unavailable due to injury, the friendly allowed younger squad members and returning veterans to develop match fitness on South American soil—a growing trend for North American clubs seeking competitive edge during the offseason.
