Lionel Messi has some high expectations for Inter Miami for 2026. He’ll aim to lead the Herons to consecutive MLS Cup titles during a season in which they’ll be playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium.
The bigger story for La Pulga may be if Messi can also captain Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles this summer, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America.
All season, we’ll be tracking Messi’s game-by-game performances as the GOAT looks to have another epic season.
March 7: Messi Scores In Win Over D.C. United After White House Visit
Lionel Messi & Inter Miami vs. D.C. United ⚽ FOX SOCCER
Check out the best moments of this MLS matchup between Inter Miami and D.C. United!
Lionel Messi scored in the 27th minute, and Inter Miami held on for a 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night in front of 72,026 at the home of the NFL‘s Baltimore Ravens.
The game was held in downtown Baltimore instead of at D.C. United’s smaller venue in Washington. It’s the second game this season where Inter Miami’s opponents held the match at a larger stadium. LAFC did so in February by changing the game to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
It was an eventful week for Messi and his team, which visited the White House on Thursday. Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when De Paul collected the ball about 15 yards from the goal and struck a shot into the far side of the net.
Messi then scored his third goal of the young MLS season, slipping behind the D.C. defense to receive Mateo Silvetti’s pass, then flicking the ball with one touch past goalie Sean Johnson.
March 1: Messi Scores Twice in Comeback Win Over Florida Rivals Orlando City
LIONEL MESSI SCORES TWICE in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win against Orlando City ⚽ FOX SOCCER
Nothing like scoring twice against your in-state rivals. Especially after being initially down by two.
Messi had two second-half goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win over Orlando City. It was his first two goals of the 2026 MLS season and the Herons’ first win. It was part of a four-goal rally by Inter Miami in the second half, which also included goals by Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia (who also had two assists).
Marco Pasalic and Martín Ojedahad initially gave the Lions the lead before Messi and Miami came out with a full head of steam after halftime. Messi’s second was a particular beauty as it came off a free kick in the final moments of the game in Orlando. Messi, ever the master at gamesmanship, decided to troll the Orlando faithful by mockingly giving them an autograph.
Feb. 26: Messi Knocked Over By Pitch Invader In Chaotic Friendly In Puerto Rico
A curiously timed match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente Del Valle at Puerto Rico’s Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel saw Messi convert a penalty and later tackled by an overzealous pitch invader.
The game in Bayamón was supposed to be played in Inter Miami’s preseason on Feb. 13 but was moved back due to Messi’s hamstring injury. Inter Miami honored the rescheduled match after having already played its MLS season opener.
Messi entered at halftime and was cheered loudly anytime he touched the ball. His penalty came in the 70th minute, which sealed the 2-1 victory in the unofficial match. But as the game came to a wrap, a pitch invader got tangled up with Messi and a security guard – taking the superstar to the ground. He seemed to be fine as he got up and walked away.
Feb. 21: Messi Held Scoreless As LAFC Wins Historic MLS Opener
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Highlights | FOX Soccer
Inter Miami began its season with a 3-0 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against Son Heung-min and LAFC. In front of an announced crowd of 75,672 – the second-highest game attendance in MLS history and highest for a season-opening game ever.
After the game, a video posted on social media showed Messi following the referees through the tunnel and into a locker room. A visibly angry Messi appeared to be held back by teammate Luis Suarez with the two then exiting the area. The league said that Messi did not violate any policy and that he would not face any suspension.
