Chaos in Peruvian football involving Alianza Lima, Lionel Messi’s next opponent: stars like Paolo Guerrero were attacked
The incident occurred after fans of the black-and-blue club broke into the team’s facilities following the emergence of a complaint.
Alianza Lima, one of the most storied institutions in Peruvian football, has been thrust into a state of absolute turmoil. On the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, 2026, the club's training facilities at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium—widely known as Matute—became the scene of a violent security breach. Outraged supporters stormed the grounds, physically and verbally assaulting several members of the first team, including South American legends Paolo Guerrero and Luis Advíncula.
This explosion of violence comes at the worst possible time for the "Blaugrana" institution. In less than 48 hours, Alianza Lima is scheduled to host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami for the highly anticipated "Noche Blanquiazul," an annual gala meant to present the 2026 squad. However, the festive atmosphere has been completely extinguished by a legal and ethical scandal that has rocked the nation.
The Root of the Rage: Sexual Abuse Allegations
The fans' fury was ignited by reports emerging earlier in the day regarding a grave legal situation involving three key members of the squad. Carlos Zambrano, Miguel Trauco, and Sergio Peña have been formally accused of alleged sexual abuse against several women in Montevideo, Uruguay. The incident reportedly took place during the team’s pre-season tour as they prepared for the 2026 campaign.
In a swift response to the allegations, Alianza Lima released an official statement confirming the immediate and indefinite suspension of the three players:
"The club has indefinitely separated the players involved from the men's first team, and a disciplinary procedure has been initiated in accordance with our internal regulations."
Assault at Matute: Legends Caught in the Crossfire
While the fans initially broke into Matute to confront those accused of the crime, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Blinded by indignation, the mob began attacking other team leaders who had no involvement in the Montevideo incident.
According to reports from prominent journalist Michael Succar, the 42-year-old Paolo Guerrero and the 35-year-old Luis Advíncula were struck during the melee. The violence also reached the administrative level, as the son of Sporting Director Franco Navarro was reportedly injured. As of Thursday evening, the exact medical status of the victims remains undisclosed, though the psychological impact on the squad is immeasurable.
The team's official supporters' group, Comando Sur, released a hostile statement on social media, asserting that this outcome was inevitable if the players failed to respect the institution's name.
'Comando Sur will not tolerate indiscipline from anyone, even if they are protected by first-team security (...) Players of this kind do not represent us, nor do we want them at the club. Those who support these three (Zambrano, Trauco, and Peña) will pay the price. We invite you to join the circus of indiscipline; we will not give any quarter,' the statement declared. This incident was further compounded by the theft of club gear, including training jerseys and soccer cleats.
A Crisis of Discipline
This "shameful" episode is being viewed in Peru as the breaking point for a squad that has struggled with disciplinary issues for years. Carlos Zambrano, in particular, has a history of off-field controversies that have often overshadowed his defensive prowess.
Head coach Pablo Guede finds himself in an impossible position. In an effort to salvage some semblance of order, the Argentine strategist backed the board's decision to exile the three accused players. Guede’s priority is now the safety and mental well-being of the remaining roster, as they are expected to face a world-class Inter Miami side in a matter of hours.
The "Messi Factor" and the Noche Blanquiazul
As of now, Inter Miami has not issued a statement regarding the safety concerns in Lima. The Florida-based club, led by Lionel Messi, is still scheduled to land in the Peruvian capital for the Saturday, January 24th showcase.
However, the "Noche Blanquiazul," which was once promoted as a historic celebration of Alianza Lima's heritage, now faces the very real threat of cancellation or a closed-doors protocol. What was meant to be a dream encounter between the best of Peru and the global icon that is Messi has turned into a nightmare of legal battles and fan violence. The footballing world now waits to see if the ball will actually roll at Matute this weekend, or if the shadow of this scandal is too dark to overcome.
