Messi, Inter Miami get first preseason test Saturday vs. Alianza Lima in Peru
One week into training camp, with nine new signings on the roster, defending MLS champion Inter Miami gets its first preseason test Saturday against Alianza Lima in Peru.
The game comes two days after angry Alianza Lima supporters stormed the field during an annual preseason open training session. They confronted players and staff following news that three players — Carlos Zambrano, Miguel Trauco, and Sergio Peña — were under investigation after sexual assault allegations by an Argentine woman.
The alleged attack took place in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the club’s preseason training and the players involved have been suspended indefinitely.
Alianza, a Peruvian power which will compete in this year’s Copa Libertadores tournament, features 42-year-old national team legend Paolo Guerrero.
Match organizers have assured the two teams and fans that there will be ample security at the stadium.
The 5 p.m. game is the start of a four-match Champions Tour that includes stops in Colombia for a game against Atletico Nacional on Jan. 31, Ecuador for a Feb. 7 game against Barcelona de Guayaquil, and a newly announced Feb. 13 friendly in Puerto Rico against Ecuadorean Serie A champion Independiente de Valle.
Lionel Messi and his teammates will spend the next month preparing for a highly anticipated 2026 MLS season opener Feb. 21 against Son Heung-Min and Los Angeles FC at the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum.
As always expectations are high, and the pressure is on two-time MLS MVP Messi and his team, which lost two legends with the retirement of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
“For us, playing these teams in preseason is a great test because they are teams that compete at a high level in South America, in Copa Libertadores, in Copa Sudamericana,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “We not only want to repeat as MLS champions, but also win the titles we did not get, such as [Concacaf] Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.”
The club reloaded and continued to make roster moves this week with the potentially biggest signing yet to come. Managing owner Jorge Mas confirmed that the club made an offer for Monterrey forward German Berterame, one of the top players in the Mexican league and a member of the Mexican national team. The transfer fee is reported to be $15 million.
If he signs, he would be Inter Miami’s third Designated Player with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul.
On Thursday the team announced that it sent Argentine center back Tomas Aviles on loan to Montreal CF for the 2026 season. In exchange for the 21-year-old, Miami received an International Roster Slot.
Also on Thursday, the club announced the signing of free agent goalkeeper Luis Barraza through June 2027, with an extension option until June 2028. He will be the third goalkeeper on the roster and replaces Oscar Ustari, whose contract was terminated per mutual agreement.
New signee Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Canadian national team keeper, is the expected starter. He has been awaiting U.S. work papers, will travel to Peru and is eligible to play there. Rocco Rios Novo, who stepped up in Miami’s playoff run, signed a permanent deal with the club after being on loan from Argentine club Lanus last season.
Barraza, a 29-year-old New Mexico native with Mexican roots, joins Inter Miami after spending the 2025 season with D.C. United, where he made 24 appearances and recorded four clean sheets. He played college soccer at Marquette.
Other signings this winter include midfielder David Ayala, and defenders Micael, Facundo Mura and Sergio Reguilon. Tadeo Allende, who broke an MLS record with nine goals for Inter Miami during the playoffs, signed a contract through 2030 after being on loan from Spanish club Celta de Vigo. He is awaiting his visa and is not expected to be in Peru.
The Champions Tour matches will be available for $5 on One Football.
Here is the Inter Miami preseason schedule:
Inter Miami vs. Alianza Lima. Saturday, January 24 (5 p.m. ET) at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima, Peru
Inter Miami vs. Atlético Nacional. Saturday, January 31 (5 p.m. ET) at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, Colombia
Inter Miami vs. Barcelona de Guayaquil. Saturday, February 7 (7 p.m. ET) at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Inter Miami vs. Independiente del Valle. Friday, February 13 (8 p.m. ET) at Juan Ramon Loubriel in Bayamón, Puerto Rico