Messi's Explosive Return: Inside His Stunning 2026 Inter Miami Debut Performance
Lionel Messi kicked off his 2026 campaign on Saturday, though his 22nd professional season began on a disappointing note as Inter Miami suffered a 3–0 defeat to Alianza Lima in a preseason exhibition match in Peru.
In their opening fixture since capturing the 2025 MLS Cup title against Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6, coach Javier Mascherano fielded his preferred starting eleven, with Messi linking up alongside 39-year-old veteran partner Luis Suárez in a 4-4-2 formation.
Though this marked Inter Miami's first contest since 2023 without Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the roster, the Herons showcased multiple new acquisitions in the starting lineup. 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair guarded the net while former Premier League and La Liga defender Sergio Reguilón began at left-back.
A total of 20 Inter Miami players featured during the encounter, including various academy prospects and fresh signings Facundo Mora and David Ayala.
Experiencia, calma y gol: 𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐑𝐎. 💙⚽️ pic.twitter.com/IYYXnheLR3
Despite fielding a formidable lineup, Miami began sluggishly and never found their rhythm. 42-year-old Peruvian icon Paolo Guerrero netted his opening strike in the 29th minute, converting a follow-up opportunity after St. Clair failed to cleanly handle Gaspar Gentile's half-volley attempt.
Guerrero doubled his tally shortly after Miami midfielder Telasco Segovia lost possession, sweeping home immediately from Eryc Castillo's delivery.
Luís Ramos capped the scoring at 3–0 in the 73rd minute, securing victory for the hosts before an announced crowd of 30,000 spectators.
Messi Provides Flashes
Messi Provides Flashes
While Miami battled to establish control in the contest, Messi displayed glimpses of magic before his substitution in the 63rd minute along with Suárez.
During his opening hour of action in 2026, Messi produced one skillful sequence to weave past two defenders and manufacture an opportunity early in the second period. However, his most memorable moment occurred in the 17th minute, when he sent a free kick sailing above the crossbar from just beyond the penalty area.
New year, same Messi 🔥 Almost bent one in from a free kick! 🐐⚽ pic.twitter.com/90ByAbfez5
Later in the opening half, he assisted in setting up Argentina compatriot and newly acquired Designated Player Rodrigo De Paul, whose delivery was blasted over the bar by Suárez.
Messi, the inaugural consecutive MLS MVP winner, managed to place none of his three attempts on target and completed merely 79% of his 39 passes, while succeeding with only one cross from four tries. On a brighter note regarding his display, his three scoring opportunities created led all players in the match, according to FotMob.
What's Next for Inter Miami?
What's Next for Inter Miami?
The 3–0 outcome probably surprised the Herons. Nevertheless, they will have additional opportunities to address issues and rediscover their peak form during preseason, with their next fixture scheduled for January 31 against Atlético Nacional in Colombia.
Mascherano and his squad may already need to manage injury concerns in upcoming matches, following Reguilón's departure in the 16th minute of his Miami preseason debut with an apparent knee problem.
After the Nacional encounter, Miami will face Barcelona de Guayaquil on February 7 in Ecuador, followed by a fourth preseason examination against Independiente de Valle in Puerto Rico on February 13.
The Herons commence the 2026 MLS campaign on February 21 with a trip to face Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga's LAFC.