Inter Miami, reduced to 10 men, concedes late to draw 2-2 with Barcelona SC in Ecuador

Match summary

Inter Miami CF settled for a 2-2 preseason draw against Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC on Saturday, February 7, 2026, after finishing the final minutes a player down and conceding an equalizer late at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil.

Lionel Messi scored Inter Miami’s opener and provided an assist in the first half, helping the MLS side take a 2-1 lead into the break. Barcelona SC responded after halftime and ultimately leveled in the closing stages, shortly after Inter Miami substitute David Ayala was sent off.

How the goals unfolded

Inter Miami opened the scoring in the first half when Messi carried the ball forward and finished with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. Barcelona SC equalized before halftime through Joao Rojas, who headed in to make it 1-1.

Inter Miami regained the lead in first-half stoppage time. Messi switched play to find forward Germán Berterame near the top of the box, and Berterame’s attempt beat the goalkeeper with the help of a deflection, putting the visitors in front 2-1 at the interval.

Barcelona SC’s comeback was completed late. With Inter Miami down to 10 men following Ayala’s 87th-minute red card, Tomás Martínez scored from close range moments later to seal the 2-2 final scoreline.

Key developments: Messi’s minutes and Miami’s late dismissal

The friendly served as another significant preseason outing for Inter Miami under head coach Javier Mascherano, with Messi playing a central role in the first half before being substituted after the hour mark. The match also marked Berterame’s first start for the club following his recent arrival.

The turning point came late, when Ayala’s dismissal disrupted Miami’s defensive structure and left the team to protect its lead with 10 players. Barcelona SC quickly capitalized, applying pressure that led to the equalizer within minutes.

What it means for Inter Miami’s preseason schedule

The match in Ecuador was part of Inter Miami’s “Champions Tour” preseason program, which has included fixtures across South America. Inter Miami’s schedule continues with a final warm-up match against Independiente del Valle in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, on Friday, February 13.

Inter Miami is set to open its 2026 MLS regular season away at Los Angeles FC on February 21.

• Final score: Barcelona SC 2, Inter Miami 2
• Inter Miami scorers: Lionel Messi; Germán Berterame
• Barcelona SC scorers: Joao Rojas; Tomás Martínez
• Red card: David Ayala (Inter Miami), 87th minute

Inter Miami led twice, but the combination of late personnel changes and a red card proved decisive in the final minutes.