Lionel Messi turned the clock back when scoring a stunning solo goal for Inter Miami in their latest pre-season friendly. The Argentine GOAT found himself lining up against Barcelona. He was not reunited with former employers from Camp Nou, but was in action on Ecuadorian soil. The all-time great gave those in the stands what they came for when dancing past defenders and hitting the back of the net.MLS Cup winners Inter Miami have been working through a tour of South America. Messi is getting himself back up to speed after rewriting the history books again in 2025. He has become the first man to win back-to-back MVP awards in the United States.A notable hat-trick will soon be chased down, while also looking to defend his Golden Boot award. Javier Mascherano’s side continue to look to their talismanic captain for inspiration, with a contract extension in South Florida being agreed through 2028.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Messi has opened his goal account for the new year, and did so in spectacular style when lining up against Barcelona SC. With a little over half-an-hour gone in that contest, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up possession a long way out.He immediately set off towards the penalty area, despite seeing several yellow shirts blocking his path. Three defenders descended upon him when reaching the edge of the box. Messi shifted the ball beyond two of them with the outside of his famous left foot.Without breaking stride, and having worked a yard of space, the Argentina international whipped a shot back across the face of goal and into the corner of the net - leaving opposition keeper Jose Contreras flapping at fresh air.Inter Miami were pegged back in the 41st minute, but restored their lead in first-half stoppage-time when Messi teed up German Berterame. Mascherano made a number of changes in the second half, with his skipper being replaced by Luis Suarez just before the hour mark.The Herons were unable to see the game out, after seeing David Ayala sent off, with Argentine midfielder Tomas Martinez ensuring that the game ended 2-2 when levelling for the hosts three minutes from time.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingInter Miami will now turn their attention to a MLS season opener against Son Heung-min and LAFC on February 21. Their opening five games of the new campaign will be played away from home as work on Freedom Park is completed.Messi will be hoping to hit his stride as quickly as possible, allowing him to feel comfortable with his form and fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals - with the expectation being that he will join Argentina’s squad for a global title defence.