Barcelona SC vs Inter Miami LIVE: German Berterame gives the lead with a Messi assist and halftime! (1-2) 2026 club friendly

The referee brings the first half to a close with Inter Miami in front. Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame have Barcelona SC chasing the game despite Joao Rojas’ equalizer.

After a poorly taken corner by Johan García, Inter Miami break quickly with Lionel Messi leading the counterattack. Messi slips a pass to Germán Berterame, whose shot takes a slight touch off Luca Sosa and finds the net.

The fourth official signals two minutes of stoppage time before the break. Barcelona SC and Inter Miami will have a short window to find a late edge in an increasingly intense battle.

Joao Rojas rises inside the box and powers home a header from the corner kick that followed a deflection by Mateo Silvetti. Johan García provides the assist, and Monumental Stadium erupts as Barcelona SC pull even.

Barcelona SC struggle to respond after conceding, and Inter Miami take control of possession. Lionel Messi threads a pass into Telasco Segovia, who finds space but sends his attempt off target, letting the hosts off the hook.

Lionel Messi produces a moment of pure brilliance, dribbling past the Barcelona SC defense before firing a low cross-shot beyond José David Contreras. A stunning individual play gives Inter Miami the lead in Guayaquil.

Ian Fray draws a foul from Johan García, setting up a dangerous free kick for Inter Miami. Lionel Messi delivers a precise ball to Micael, but the defender cannot finish, and the attempt ends safely in the arms of José David Contreras.

The pace of the match slows noticeably as the earlier pressure from both sides begins to fade. Clear chances remain scarce, and the heat, along with the heavy humidity in Guayaquil, could be playing a role in the drop in intensity.

Ian Fray is shown a booking after catching Joao Rojas with a high boot that makes contact with the face.

Lionel Messi earns a free kick after a foul from Matías Lugo and takes it himself, curling a dangerous effort toward goal. José David Contreras reacts well to deflect it out for a corner, and Inter Miami are unable to create any threat from the ensuing set piece.

Lionel Messi finds a look at goal inside the box, but Luca Sosa steps in to block the attempt. The play is then whistled dead as the assistant signals offside, halting the danger for Barcelona SC.

The game splits into phases early on. Barcelona SC dominate the opening minutes with aggressive pressure, but Inter Miami respond shortly after and push the action the other way. It turns into a back-and-forth battle, although clear scoring chances remain limited, with Barcelona SC holding a slight edge thanks to their intensity.

Inter Miami create danger as Lionel Messi tries to take on his defender, but the ball falls to Mateo Silvetti, whose weak effort is comfortably handled by José David Contreras. Barcelona SC respond quickly, with Matías Lugo unleashing a shot from outside the box to keep the defense alert.

Jandry Gómez goes down in the defensive third after a late challenge from Noah Allen. Barcelona SC will restart play from the back as they look to build out under early pressure.

The referee blows the whistle and Barcelona SC and Inter Miami kick off at Monumental Stadium. The crowd is buzzing as the first possession of the night gets us started in Guayaquil.

Barcelona SC and Inter Miami are now on the pitch at Monumental Stadium completing the pregame ceremonies. Players line up as the atmosphere builds in Guayaquil, with supporters ready for kickoff in this international friendly.

Here is the confirmed Barcelona SC starting XI for tonight’s club friendly against Inter Miami at Monumental Stadium: José David Contreras; Bryan Carabalí, Javier Báez, Luca Sosa, Jonathan Perlaza; Milton Céliz, Matías Lugo, Jandry Gómez, Johan García, Joao Rojas and Sergio Núñez.

Here is the confirmed Inter Miami starting XI to face Barcelona SC in tonight’s club friendly at Monumental Stadium: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Maicol, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia, Mateo Silvetti; Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame.

Ecuador have been one of the national sides that Lionel Messi has punished the most in recent years with Argentina. They have met 11 times, and Messi has scored seven goals while adding three assists. Ecuador have managed just one win with Messi on the field, while Argentina have prevailed seven times in that span.

Only four of those matchups have taken place in Ecuador, and the numbers show a much tighter balance. Each side has one victory, along with two draws, all of them coming in World Cup qualifying and Copa America.

Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo, officially known as Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha for sponsorship reasons, stands on Avenida Barcelona in the city of Guayaquil. The stadium sits just 10 meters above sea level and remains an iconic landmark for soccer in Ecuador.

Home of Barcelona SC, the venue is currently the largest stadium in the country. Its official capacity is 75,000 spectators, although historical events have seen crowds approach the 90,000 mark, underscoring the magnitude of nights like the one expected today.

Unlike last year, Barcelona SC arrive with several new faces who are expected to draw plenty of attention in Guayaquil. José Gabriel Cevallos, Tomás Martínez, Sergio Núñez, Milton Céliz, Javier Báez and marquee signing Darío Benedetto strengthen a roster that has generated renewed excitement among supporters. They are joined by returning contributors, including goalkeeper José David Contreras and Luca Sosa, who is back to anchor the yellow back line.

For Inter Miami, Dayne St. Clair steps in as the new goalkeeper for the MLS champions. In defense, Micael and Maximiliano Falcón provide solidity, while the midfield features Santiago Morales, Venezuelan playmaker Telasco Segovia and the veteran presence of Rodrigo De Paul. Up front, the attack shines with Luis Suárez and the unmistakable quality of Lionel Messi, who once again commands the spotlight.

Barcelona SC vs Inter Miami will get underway at 7:00 PM ET (PT:4:00 PM)

Watch this club-friendly match between Barcelona SC and Inter Miami live in the USA on OneFootball.

Welcome to our live blog of tonight’s international exhibition!

Barcelona SC meet Inter Miami at Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil in a game that brings global attention and serves as preparation for the challenges ahead. Barcelona SC want to sharpen their squad before Libertadores action, while Inter Miami continue their tour with Lionel Messi as the main attraction.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Barcelona SC and Inter Miami go head-to-head tonight.