Inter Miami Unveils Blockbuster Opening Trio for Epic 2026 South America Adventure
Inter Miami has announced the initial phase of their 2026 preseason campaign, with the reigning MLS Cup winners set to travel to South America for the Champions Tour.
The Florida-based club will kick off their 2026 preseason preparations in Lima, Peru, facing Alianza Lima in a friendly match on January 24, looking to overcome the team that boasts 25 Peruvian championship titles.
Following that encounter, the team travels to Colombia for a clash with Atlético Nacional on Saturday, January 31, where they'll face the two-time Copa Libertadores winners who also hold 18 Colombian league championships. Additionally, Nacional features former MLS player Dairon Asprilla and veteran Colombian international keeper David Ospina.
The final fixture in this initial announcement will see former FC Barcelona legends Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez face off against FC Barcelona, though this refers to the Ecuadorian club. This team shares the same name as the Spanish giants but goes by the full title Barcelona de Guayaquil and plays their home matches at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil.
Inter Miami 2026 Champions Tour—Preseason Schedule
Date / Kickoff Time | Venue | Match |
|---|---|---|
Jan 24 / 5 p.m. ET | Estadio Alejandro Villanueva - Lima, Peru | Inter Miami vs. Club Alianza Lima |
Jan. 31 / 5 p.m. ET | Estadio Atanasio Girardot - Medellín, Colombia | Inter Miami vs. Atlético Nacional S.A. |
Feb. 7 / 7 p.m. ET | Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha - Guayaquil, Ecuador | Inter Miami CF vs. Barcelona de Guayaquil |
Though there's no certainty regarding which players will participate in these fixtures, substantial attendance is anticipated for each game, and the organization plans to reveal additional preseason encounters. During 2025, Miami participated in five preseason matches, including visits to Las Vegas and Tampa domestically, plus trips to Peru, Honduras and Panama.
After completing the 2026 preseason schedule, the team will begin their competitive MLS regular season campaign on February 21 against Son Heung-min's LAFC at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Their inaugural home fixture will take place on March 18 in the Concacaf Champions Cup against either Nashville SC or Atlético Ottawa at Chase Stadium, potentially the final game at the Fort Lauderdale facility before the club officially inaugurates Miami Freedom Park on April 4 versus Austin FC.