NNew year, new story. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have already started the 2026 preseason in a very special and Latin way with visits to Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru.
The 28-year-old captain and his teammates have finished their first two friendlies and Leo shared a powerful and emotional message about it on his official Instagram account.
Messi dedicated a post to his rivals
The Argentine star’s first match for Inter Miami was against Alianza Lima at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Peru. However, the match did not end as Javier Mascherano’s team had hoped and they lost 3-0.
The story changed when they won 2-1 against visiting Atltico Nacional at the Attanasio Giraldo Stadium in Medellin, Colombia.
Meanwhile, these two experiences were equally fulfilling for the “10”, who didn’t hesitate to share 13 photos and videos from their stay in both countries with their 511 million Instagram followers.
“We started the pre-season with friendly matches in Peru and Colombia. Thank you for the welcome and love from everyone in both countries,” Leo said in the post’s caption, adding, “It’s always a pleasure to return to such a special place in our South America!”
Fans were quick to comment on the post, showing their support and love. Leo received messages such as “Everyone knows that Messi is the real GOAT,” “The atmosphere here is on a whole other level. He’s the GOAT!,” “Forever the best,” and “The best in the world comes from South America.”
Since Lionel arrived at Inter Miami in July 2023, the club has won four titles. They won the League Cup in 2023, the MLS Supporters Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup Eastern Conference title at the end of 2025, becoming the first team in Major League Soccer history to win the championship.
The Herons’ goals this year are to defend their MLS title and compete again for the League Cup, CONCACAF and U.S. Open Cup.
What’s next for Messi and Inter Miami?
The team still has two pre-season friendlies remaining. On February 7th, they will face Barcelona SC at Ecuador’s Monumental Banco Pichincha Stadium.
The team will then complete its South American tour on February 13th against Independiente del Valle at Banco Guayaquil Stadium in Bayamun, Puerto Rico before returning to the United States.
Then, on February 21, Messi and his team will face Los Angeles FC in the first round of MLS at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Inter Miami will play its first five games on the road before opening Miami Freedom Park in April.
