Messi's Magic Moves Leave Rival Player in Tears During Inter Miami's Preseason Clash
Argentine icon Lionel Messi moved compatriot Alan Cantero to tears when he presented the Alianza Lima midfielder with his match shirt after Inter Miami's loss on Saturday evening.
The Pink Flamingos began their South American preseason campaign before 30,000 spectators in Peru. This friendly represented Inter Miami's first match since capturing the 2025 MLS Cup and following the exits of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
However, it was the home team that shone at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, delivering a comprehensive 3–0 victory over Messi's squad in their 2026 season opener. The current MLS MVP generated three scoring opportunities during the match—more than any other player—but couldn't guide his team to a favorable outcome.
Despite the disappointing display, Messi exchanged jerseys with Cantero, who became visibly moved when receiving the shirt from the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient. "He's my hero. I have his image tattooed on my body and I never thought I'd experience a moment like this with him. It's a fantasy come true. I expressed my admiration and told him he was my motivation," the 27-year-old shared postgame.
Alan Cantero has a tattoo on his leg of Lionel Messi winning the World Cup for Argentina.
After playing Inter Miami with his club Alianza Lima, he linked up with Messi and even got his match shirt 🐐
Look at how much it meant for him to meet his footballing idol 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/hihtRBDrwj
Cantero actually bears a tattoo depicting Messi's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph on his leg. Now, four years following that historic achievement in Qatar, the Alianza Lima midfielder had the opportunity to play alongside his hero.
Concluding the evening by conversing with Messi and departing with his jersey transformed a preseason exhibition into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Cantero. For Messi, however, the night concluded with the sting of loss.
Warning Signs Emerge Following Inter Miami's Preseason Setback
Warning Signs Emerge Following Inter Miami's Preseason Setback
Mascherano fielded a formidable starting eleven for the preseason encounter in Peru, featuring Messi and Luis Suárez in attack, Rodrigo De Paul in midfield, and new acquisition Dayne St. Clair in goal. Experienced defender Maximiliano Falcón also anchored the central defense.
Nevertheless, the squad allowed three goals, failed to score, and registered merely two attempts on goal. Alianza Lima, conversely, possessed only 37% of the ball yet secured a commanding 3–0 triumph.
The Herons were expected to show some rust, considering their extended break and journey to South America. However, it remains troubling that a team which recently claimed its inaugural MLS Cup in December couldn't find the net against clearly weaker opposition.
Mascherano's squad desperately missed Alba's creative influence along the left wing and Busquets's defensive stability in front of the backline. Without these two legends, Inter Miami appeared no better than an average MLS side.
Suárez Squanders Major Chance to Make Statement
Suárez Squanders Major Chance to Make Statement
Suárez, specifically, will be disappointed with his performance. The forward generated only one scoring chance and managed a single shot on target during his 62 minutes of play. He also recorded just 20 touches of the ball.
A preseason exhibition provided the ideal platform for Suárez to rediscover his scoring touch, but instead, he delivered another underwhelming performance, continuing a pattern that cost him his starting position during Inter Miami's 2025 MLS Cup playoff campaign.
The Uruguayan veteran featured for only 22 minutes across the Herons' final three postseason matches and remained on the bench throughout the MLS Cup final. Suárez watched as 20-year-old Mateo Silvetti claimed his position and now faces another campaign—possibly his final one in Miami colors—as a backup to the young Argentine unless he can elevate his game during preseason preparations.