Alianza Lima 3, Inter Miami CF 0 | Preseason Friendly

By Alonso Contreras

Inter Miami CF opened its preseason schedule with a 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima on Saturday afternoon at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, as the reigning MLS Cup champions worked through early-season rust in their first match since December.

Lionel Messi logged 63 minutes in his return to action, marking Miami’s first appearance since lifting its first MLS Cup title. Despite moments of possession and control, Miami struggled to find rhythm in the final third and was punished by a sharp Alianza side.

The hosts broke the match open midway through the first half. Veteran striker Paolo Guerrero struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 29th and 35th minutes to give Alianza a firm grip on the match. The 42-year-old’s movement and finishing proved decisive as Miami’s back line failed to recover.

Miami nearly responded early in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul slipped a pass through to Luis Suárez, but the Uruguayan lifted his attempt over the bar from close range. Head coach Javier Mascherano made wholesale changes just after the hour mark, withdrawing Messi, Suárez, and De Paul as fitness remained the priority.

Alianza sealed the result in the 73rd minute when Luis Ramos finished past debutant goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, one of several new faces to feature for Miami. Sergio Reguilón and David Ayala also made their first appearances in a Miami shirt as the club continues to integrate its offseason additions following the departures of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Inter Miami will continue its preseason next week with a trip to Colombia to face Atlético Nacional, before opening its MLS title defense on February 21 at LAFC.