Full Breakdown
Inter Miami Suffers Preseason Setback Against Alianza Lima
1/25/2026, 4:12:07 AM
Inter Miami's Preseason Opener
Inter Miami CF commenced its 2026 preseason with a 3-0 defeat to Alianza Lima at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima, Peru, on January 24, 2026. This match marked the first of four fixtures in the club's Champions Tour, which also includes games against Atlético Nacional in Colombia, Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador, and Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. The loss highlighted the team's lack of cohesion and fitness, as they had only recently begun training for the upcoming MLS season, set to kick off on February 21 against LAFC.
Match Highlights
The game saw veteran striker Paolo Guerrero score two goals for Alianza Lima within six minutes during the first half, netting in the 29th and 35th minutes. Inter Miami's Dayne St. Clair, making his debut as the new goalkeeper, initially saved a shot from Guerrero but could not prevent the rebound. Luis Ramos sealed the victory for Alianza with a goal in the 73rd minute. Inter Miami's best chance came early in the second half when Luis Suárez, unmarked in front of goal, missed a critical opportunity to score.
Roster Changes and Player Debuts
Inter Miami's roster has undergone significant changes during the offseason, with the departures of key players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The match featured debuts for several new signings, including Dayne St. Clair, Sergio Reguilón, and David Ayala. Reguilón, however, left the field early due to an apparent knee injury, raising concerns about his fitness moving forward. Messi, Suárez, and De Paul played for 63 minutes before being substituted as part of the team's strategy to build fitness.
Official Statements & Responses
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed the importance of these preseason matches, stating, “For us, playing these teams in preseason is a great test because they are teams that compete at a high level in South America.” He emphasized the need for the team to not only defend their MLS title but also to pursue additional trophies.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, some analysts noted that the result was not unexpected given the team's limited preparation time. Critics pointed out that the lack of sharpness and cohesion was evident, particularly in the missed scoring opportunities. Additionally, the injury to Reguilón raised concerns about the team's depth and adaptability as they head into the season.
What's Next
Inter Miami will continue its Champions Tour with a match against Atlético Nacional in Medellín, Colombia, on January 31, followed by a game against Barcelona de Guayaquil on February 7. The team aims to improve its performance and build momentum ahead of the MLS season opener against LAFC.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Coach
- “It’s an amazing feeling to start the year as a first-team player, to be part of this group. I’m really happy I got to go in and get some minutes. It was a beautiful atmosphere.” — Daniel Pinter, Inter Miami Forward
This preseason loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead for Inter Miami as they prepare to defend their MLS title amidst significant roster changes and the pressure of high expectations.
