Lionel Messi Tracker: Inter Miami Star’s First Goals of the Season in Comeback Victory

Lionel Messi has high expectations for Inter Miami for 2026. He will aim to lead the Herons to back-to-back MLS Cup titles in a season in which they will play at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium. The bigger story for La Pulga could be if Messi can also lead Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles this summer, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America. Throughout the season, we will follow Messi’s performances game by game as the GOAT looks to be having another epic season. March 1: Messi scores twice in victory over Florida rivals Orlando City There’s nothing like scoring twice against your in-state rivals. Especially after initially being down two. Messi scored two second-half goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win over Orlando City. These were his first two goals of the 2026 MLS season and the Herons’ first victory. It was part of a four-goal rally by Inter Miami in the second half, which also included goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia (who also had two assists). Marco Pasalic and Martín Ojedahad initially gave the Lions the lead before Messi and Miami came out with full heads after halftime. Messi’s second was of particular beauty as it came from a free kick in the final moments of the match in Orlando. Messi, even the master of the game, decided to troll the Orlando fans by giving them an autograph in mockery. February 26: Messi brought down by pitch invader during chaotic Puerto Rico friendly A curiously timed match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente Del Valle at Puerto Rico’s Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel saw Messi convert a penalty and then be tackled by an overzealous invader. The match in Bayamón was supposed to be played during Inter Miami’s preseason on February 13, but was postponed due to Messi’s hamstring injury. Inter Miami honored the postponed match after already playing their first match of the MLS season. Messi came on at halftime and was cheered loudly every time he touched the ball. His penalty came in the 70th minute, which sealed the 2-1 victory in the unofficial match. But as the match drew to a close, a pitch invader tangled with Messi and a security guard, taking the superstar to the ground. He seemed fine as he got up and walked away. February 21: Messi held scoreless as LAFC wins historic MLS opener Inter Miami began its season with a 3-0 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against Son Heung-min and LAFC. In front of an announced crowd of 75,672 – the second largest match attendance in MLS history and the highest ever for a season opener. After the match, a video posted on social media showed Messi following the referees through the tunnel and into a dressing room. A visibly angry Messi appeared to be restrained by teammate Luis Suarez, with the two then running out of the area. The league said Messi did not violate any policies and would not face any suspension.