Date set for when Lionel Messi could finally score against Barcelona, just not that one

Inter Miami has already started planning for the upcoming MLS season. The club will look to defend its title and make a serious push for the Concacaf Champions Cup, which leadership and manager Javier Mascherano consider the top priority for 2026.

As part of that preparation, Miami is organizing another international tour. Instead of returning to Asia, where it traveled two years ago, or repeating last season’s swing through Central America, the Herons are turning their attention to South America.

Inter Miami and Messi to face Barcelona in Ecuador

According to Ecuadorian outlets and reporting from Diario Olé, Inter Miami has locked in its first opponent for the tour. The club will face Barcelona SC on Feb. 7 at Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil.

Event organizers and local media say the match has already been finalized, and confirmation of Lionel Messi’s participation is expected soon.

Peru also on Miami’s preseason radar

Another friendly reportedly in the works is a trip to Peru, with a match planned for Lima’s Estadio Monumental.

The club is expected to add at least one more stop to the preseason schedule as it gears up for the MLS opener against LAFC and its first matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

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