Lionel Messi was the standout player in the 2-2 draw between Inter Miami and Barcelona Guayaquil, in a friendly match held in Ecuador early this morning. The Argentine star scored a goal and provided an assist, finally breaking his scoring drought during his team's South American tour in 2026. After failing to score in the 0-3 loss to Alianza Lima and the 2-1 victory over Atlético Nacional de Medellín, Messi opened the scoring in the 31st minute. In a characteristic individual play, the Argentine surged through the middle, dribbled past two defenders to the left, and, inside the box, shot across the goal into the back of the net. Golazo de Leo 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/8p8wbv NCXc The home team, in front of 38,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental de Guayaquil, equalized just before halftime, with Joao Rojas scoring in the 41st minute. However, in stoppage time of the first half, Messi was decisive again, assisting debutant Germán Belterame. The Mexican forward, at the edge of the box, did not miss and put Inter Miami back in the lead. MESSI ➡️ GERMAN 🤝🔥 pic.twitter.com/e H95Xwvdr D The final result was only established in the 87th minute when Tomás Martínez scored for Barcelona Guayaquil, sealing the draw at 2-2. With this match, Inter Miami concluded its South American tour. The North American team is now heading to Puerto Rico, where they will face Independiente del Valle, also from Ecuador, in the last preseason preparation match. Inter Miami, the current MLS champion, will begin its title defense on February 22, in an away match against Los Angeles FC.
Barcelona Lionel Messi remains central to this story.
Barcelona Lionel Messi remains central to this story.
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