Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were humillated by Alianza Lima in Perú: massive win by Paolo Guerrero's team
The northamerican team loss 3-0 in Lima and their next match will be in Colombia.
The start of 2026 has delivered a massive reality check for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF. In their highly anticipated debut at the "Noche Blanquiazul 2026," the Florida-based squad suffered a staggering 3-0 defeat against Alianza Lima at the iconic Alejandro Villanueva Stadium. Far from the festive, friendly atmosphere expected for such an exhibition, the match exposed significant defensive frailties and a lack of competitive rhythm in the "Herons" camp.
The "Predator" Still Reigns: Paolo Guerrero’s Masterclass
From the opening whistle, the Peruvian side looked sharper, faster, and more tactically disciplined. The night belonged to the eternal Paolo Guerrero. At 42 years old, the legendary striker proved that class is permanent, ruthlessly exploiting two defensive lapses by Inter Miami’s backline to score a brilliant brace in the first half.
Guerrero’s first goal came from a misplaced pass in the midfield, while his second was a clinical header that left the Miami defense rooted to the spot. By the time the second half rolled around, Alianza Lima had total control. The scoring was rounded off by Luis Ramos, who finished a sweeping team move initiated by an inch-perfect assist from Federico Girotti.
Messi and the "Load Management" Exit
Lionel Messi, the man the entire city of Lima had gathered to see, had a notably quiet night. Operating in a deeper playmaker role, Messi struggled to break through Alianza’s compact low block. His most dangerous moments came from set-pieces, but even his trademark precision seemed slightly off, likely due to the "preseason rust."
In a decision that prioritized health over the scoreline, coach Javier Mascherano substituted Messi in the 63rd minute. While the crowd at "Matute" voiced their disappointment at his early exit, it was a calculated move by Mascherano to manage the captain’s physical load during this grueling South American tour. Without Messi on the pitch, Inter Miami’s creative spark vanished completely.
Birthday Blues for Luis Suárez
The night was equally frustrating for Luis Suárez, who was celebrating his 39th birthday. The Uruguayan striker had a golden opportunity to pull one back when the score was still 2-0, but he uncharacteristically skewed his shot wide. It was a moment that summed up Inter Miami’s evening: disjointed, tired, and uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal.
The Mascherano Challenge: What’s Next?
This loss marks a rocky start to Javier Mascherano’s first full preseason as head coach. The tactical gaps between the midfield and defense were glaring, and the team’s inability to track back during Alianza’s transitions will be a point of major concern for the coaching staff.
Inter Miami won't have much time to lick their wounds. The South American tour continues as they travel to Medellín to face Atlético Nacional on January 31. This second friendly will be crucial for Mascherano to adjust his pieces and restore some confidence before the official MLS season kicks off in late February. For Messi and company, the "circus of indiscipline" mentioned by rival fanbases must be silenced with a better showing in Colombia.
