Photo by ESTEBAN VEGA LA-ROTTA / AFP via Getty Images

Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs. Barcelona SC?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 2:38 PM ET

Inter Miami will play another friendly match in South America to prepare for the 2026 MLS season, which starts in two weeks. Inter Miami will now play against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.

Inter Miami went to Peru to play Alianza Lima, and went to Colombia to play against Atlético Nacional. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has called up key players in the squad, including Lionel Messi.

The Argentine star played in the last two friendly matches against Alianza Lima and Atlético Nacional.

Messi played 63 minutes against Alianza Lima two weeks ago and 82 minutes against Atlético Nacional last weekend.

Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi controls the ball during the friendly football match between Colombia's Atletico Nacional and the US' Inter Miami at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellin, Colombia, on January 31, 2026. (Photo by Jaime SALDARRIAGA / AFP via Getty Images)

Inter Miami fans wonder if Mascherano will play Messi again despite the MLS season being closer than ever, especially with the first game being against LAFC.

Lionel Messi to play against Barcelona SC

Lionel Messi is set to play and start for Inter Miami in their friendly match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. After the last training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, yesterday, the team traveled to Ecuador.

Messi was part of the squad that traveled for the match and received a large welcome from fans in Guayaquil, Ecuador.