Argentine star Lionel Messi suffered a major setback in the Peruvian capital, Lima, as his team, Inter Miami, suffered a heavy defeat against Alianza Lima, losing 3-0 in their first pre-season match for 2026.
Messi started the match with a low physical effort to avoid injuries in a year in which he has a major challenge ahead of him, which is defending the World Cup title with the Argentine national team, which allowed the Peruvian team to score two goals by veteran striker Paolo Guerrero and a third goal scored by Luis Ramos.
Messi started for 63 minutes under his Argentine coach Javier Mascherano, forming an attacking triangle with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Messi's only real threat came from a brilliantly executed free kick that went just over the bar, before he left the field, making way for American Daniel Painter.
This match marks Messi's second time playing in Peru with Inter Miami, but his first time at the historic Alejandro Villanueva Stadium.
Messi continues his South American tour with Inter Miami, who will face Colombian side Atletico Nacional in Medellin on January 31, before concluding his tour with a match against Ecuadorian side Barcelona in Guayaquil on February 7.
