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Lionel Messi<\/a> has some high expectations for Inter Miami for 2026. He’ll aim to lead the Herons to consecutive MLS<\/a> Cup titles during a season in which they’ll be playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium.<\/p>\n The bigger story for La Pulga<\/i> may be if Messi can also captain Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles this summer, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America.\u00a0<\/p>\n All season, we’ll be tracking Messi’s game-by-game performances as the GOAT looks to have another epic season.<\/p>\n A curiously timed match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente Del Valle at Puerto Rico’s Estadio Juan Ram\u00f3n Loubriel saw Messi convert a penalty and later tackled by an overzealous pitch invader.<\/p>\n The game in Bayam\u00f3n was supposed to be played in Inter Miami’s preseason on Feb. 13 but was moved back due to Messi’s hamstring injury. Inter Miami honored the rescheduled match after having already played its MLS season opener.<\/p>\n Messi entered at halftime and was cheered loudly anytime he touched the ball. His penalty came in the 70th minute, which sealed the 2-1 victory in the unofficial match. But as the game came to a wrap, a pitch invader got tangled up with Messi and a security guard \u2013 taking the superstar to the ground. He seemed to be fine as he got up and walked away.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/div>\n Inter Miami began its season with a 3-0 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against Son Heung-min<\/a> and LAFC<\/a>. In front of an announced crowd of 75,672 \u2013 the second-highest game attendance in MLS history and highest for a season-opening game ever.\u00a0<\/p>\n After the game, a video posted on social media showed Messi following the referees through the tunnel and into a locker room. A visibly angry Messi appeared to be held back by teammate Luis Suarez<\/a> with the two then exiting the area. The league said that Messi did not violate any policy and that he would not face any suspension.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/div>\nFeb. 26: Messi Knocked Over By Pitch Invader In Chaotic Friendly in Puerto Rico<\/h2>\n
Feb. 21: Messi Held Scoreless as LAFC Wins Historic MLS Opener<\/strong><\/h2>\n
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Highlights | FOX Soccer<\/h3>\n