Inter Miami wrap up their South American “Champions Tour” as they take on the most successful club in Ecuadorian history, Barcelona SC, at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.
This fixture marks the third stop for the Herons in South America, following a 3-0 opening defeat to Alianza Lima in Peru and a 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Nacional in Colombia.
For Barcelona SC, this friendly offers a prime opportunity to test themselves against a star-studded squad and the reigning MLS Cup champions. Manager Cesar Farias is using the match as vital preparation for the upcoming Copa Libertadores campaign.
Inter Miami confirmed lineup
Manager Javier Mascherano will field Lionel Messi in the starting XI for the third consecutive match. While Inter Miami have bolstered their squad with several winter arrivals, they will be without defender Sergio Reguilon, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Confirmed lineup to face Barcelona SC: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maxi Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia, Mateo Silvetti; Lionel Messi, German Berterame.
Barcelona SC confirmed lineup
Barcelona SC also have a deep roster available for what has been dubbed “The Match of History“. The most anticipated storyline for the home fans in Guayaquil is the likely debut of Argentine striker Dario Benedetto during the second half. The former Marseille standout joined the club as a high-profile reinforcement this January and is expected to lead the attack.
Confirmed lineup to face Inter Miami: Jose David Contreras; Bryan Carabali, Javier Baez, Luca Sosa, Jose Luis Perlaza; Matias Lugo, Milton Celiz, Jandry Gomez, Johan Garcia; Joao Rojas, Sergio Nuñez.