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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Prepare for the First Match of Their South American Tour
The start of 2026 already has a name and a face: Lionel Messi. With the World Cup on the horizon, Inter Miami begin a South American tour that promises packed stadiums, massive attention, and high-level tests.
The excitement in Lima is at a fever pitch. Inter Miami have arrived in Peru to face Alianza Lima, and with them comes Lionel Messi, the global icon who continues to stop cities every time he steps onto the field. The match will mark Messi’s first appearance of 2026, a special year that will culminate in the World Cup, the ultimate goal that still has the football world holding its breath.
While no final decision has been made about his participation in the tournament, the Argentine captain is fully focused on the present: competing, gaining match rhythm, and leading his team through a demanding preseason. Tickets at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium are sold out, setting the stage for a true football celebration when Inter Miami and Alianza Lima meet on Saturday night.
A Major Test in a Historic Venue
The Peruvian side, now coached by Pablo Guede, features an experienced roster that includes Paolo Guerrero, Luis Advíncula, and Carlos Zambrano, along with Argentine players Federico Girotti, Gaspar Gentile, and Alan Cantero. For Inter Miami, these matches are part of a clear plan: to face teams accustomed to competing in elite tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana.
Head coach Javier Mascherano has emphasized that this tour goes far beyond friendly matches. Facing clubs like Alianza Lima, Atlético Nacional, and Barcelona SC is vital preparation for a packed season in which the club’s main target will be the Concacaf Champions Cup, along with strong pushes in the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup.
Goalkeeping Concerns and Attacking Firepower
Not everything is smooth sailing for Inter Miami. The biggest issue lies in goal. Dayne St. Clair is still waiting for his work permit, Óscar Ustari has not fully joined training, and the status of Rocco Ríos Novo remains unresolved. As things stand, young Matías Marín is expected to start in goal, an unusual situation for a club of this profile.
Up front, however, optimism is growing. Luis Suárez has impressed in training and is likely to start alongside Messi, while the club awaits the arrival of Tadeo Allende and continues negotiations for Germán Berterame.
With a possible lineup featuring Rodrigo De Paul, Maxi Falcón, Sergio Reguilón, and Noah Allen, Inter Miami aim to begin the year on a positive note. But beyond the scoreline, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, the man who continues to inspire millions as he prepares for one more World Cup dream.
