Lionel Messi has set ambitious goals for Inter Miami in 2026, aiming to guide the Herons to consecutive MLS Cup titles while playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium.
Even bigger for Messi could be leading Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup victories this summer, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place across North America.
Throughout the season, fans and analysts will track Messi’s performances game by game as the GOAT looks to produce another historic campaign.
Feb. 26: Messi Knocked Over By Pitch Invader in Chaotic Friendly in Puerto Rico
In a rescheduled preseason friendly against Ecuador’s Independiente Del Valle at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, Messi converted a penalty but was later tackled by an overzealous pitch invader.
The match was originally set for Feb. 13 but was postponed due to Messi’s hamstring injury. Inter Miami had already played its MLS season opener by the time the friendly took place.
Messi entered at halftime, receiving loud cheers whenever he touched the ball. His 70th-minute penalty secured a 2-1 win in the unofficial match. However, as the game concluded, a fan ran onto the field, colliding with Messi and a security guard and taking the superstar to the ground. Messi appeared unharmed and walked away on his own.
Inter Miami began the season with a 3-0 victory over Son Heung-min’s LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in front of 75,672 fans—the second-highest attendance in MLS history and the largest ever for a season opener.
After the friendly, social media footage showed Messi following the referees through the tunnel. He appeared visibly frustrated and was held back by teammate Luis Suarez before exiting the area. MLS confirmed that Messi did not breach any league rules and would face no suspension.
