Inter Miami stunned by 42-year-old, start 2026 with defeat

Little over a month on from their MLS Cup triumph, Inter Miami began their 2026 preparations with a 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima on Saturday night.

The first stop on Miami’s Preseason Champions Tour took them to Lima to face the 25-time Peruvian champions in a friendly. Miami head coach Javier Mascherano named a strong starting XI for the game, adding some high-profile new signings to the reigning champions.

Miami started with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Rodrio de Paul, alongside recent arrivals Dayne St. Clair and Sergio Reguilón.

But despite all the noise around Miami’s offseason business, it was not the start that Mascherano would have hoped for. Of all the veteran talent on display it was the hosts’ ageing forward who proved decisive on the night.

Now 42, former Bayern Munich striker Paolo Guerrero scored twice in six minutes to put Alianza in the driving seat at half time. After an hour Suárez, Messi and De Paul were replaced for Miami and substitute Luis Ramos made it safe with a third goal for the hosts. Inter Miami’s 2026 preparations begin with a 3-0 loss.

First sighting of new-look Miami

Speaking earlier this week Mascherano reiterated the need for Inter Miami to “rebuild, season by season” to stay ahead of the chasing pack in MLS. Although the likes of defender Micael and soon-to-be-announced Germán Berterame were not in the Miami team in Lima, there was a first look at some other offseason additions.

Alongside St. Clair and Reguilón there were Miami debuts for midfielder David Ayala and defender Facundo Mura, both of whom joined this month. The latter came on to replace Reguilón after the former Tottenham Hotspur defender picked up a knee injury ten minutes into his first appearance for the club. The full extent of that injury is not yet clear.

Miami have been relentless with their offseason business but it remains to be seen if they have fully made up for the loss of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Both veteran stars retired after last month’s MLS Cup win and Miami will need time to adjust to life without them.

For now, however, Inter Miami will continue with the country-hopping preseason tour as they continue preparations for 2026. Next up is a trip to Medellin, Colombia to take on Atlético Nacional.

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