Photo via Inter Miami on X
Inter Miami have officially begun their 2026 preseason tour, famously dubbed the Champions Tour of South America, and the first two matches have already delivered storylines, surprises, and global attention. The club’s presence in Peru and Colombia has turned regular friendlies into national events, with Lionel Messi once again at the center of a football spectacle.
Inter Miami opened the tour with matches against Alianza Lima and Atlético Nacional, and while the performances were mixed, the reception across South America has been historic.
The First Match: A Tough 3–0 Loss to Alianza Lima
After a long offseason break, Inter Miami struggled to find rhythm in their opening match. They fell 3–0 to Alianza Lima, a strong and in-form Peruvian side.
Miami looked disconnected in attack and vulnerable in defense, a sign of early-season rust more than a tactical failure.
Despite the loss, the spotlight was not on the scoreline—it was on the arrival of Lionel Messi and the overwhelming fan response that followed.
Messi Mania Takes Over Peru and Colombia
The major headline from the tour has been the kind of reception Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have received.
Across two countries, the scenes were extraordinary:
- Airports flooded with fans
- Crowds outside team hotels chanting Messi’s name
- A sold-out 45,000-seat stadium in Medellín
- Clubs openly celebrating “the honor” of hosting Messi
This is not a normal preseason tour. It is a continental phenomenon.
These moments have also fueled renewed excitement around the idea of MLS and Liga MX teams playing in Copa Libertadores, something Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has publicly expressed interest in. The hype grew even more when CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez stated:
“The door is open. MLS and Liga MX teams played until 2016. If they want to return, they must do so through CONCACAF.”
With Messi drawing record crowds and international attention, the Libertadores conversation is louder than ever.
Atlético Nacional vs Inter Miami: A Strong Response and First Win of 2026
Inter Miami bounced back in their second preseason match, earning their first victory of 2026 against Atlético Nacional.
But the road to that win was anything but straightforward.
Early Setback
Just like in the first match, Miami conceded early. Atlético Nacional’s young Colombian star scored a brilliant long-range strike past new Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The goal celebration—done in Messi’s iconic style—quickly went viral.
Miami’s first half lacked urgency, continuing the pattern from Lima.
Second Half Turnaround
Everything changed after the break.
Messi took control, and Rodrigo De Paul, who has been Miami’s second-best player this preseason, elevated the tempo.
A misplaced pass from Nacional’s goalkeeper fell straight to De Paul, who fed Messi. Messi danced through defenders and hit the post, but Luis Suárez calmly finished the rebound—scoring Inter Miami’s first goal of the 2026 season.
Berterame Travels on His Own and Makes His Debut
The biggest surprise of the night came before kickoff.
Germán Berterame, who is still resolving administrative visa issues and has not trained with the squad on U.S. soil, flew to Medellín entirely on his own to join the team for the friendly.
He arrived with his match kit and—and as Inter Miami News Hub first reported—was eligible to debut if Javier Mascherano chose to use him.
Mascherano did exactly that.
Berterame replaced Luis Suárez in the 60th minute and immediately made an impact, slipping a perfect pass to Mateo Silvetti, who narrowly missed the chance. With Messi, Silvetti, and Berterame all on the pitch, Miami suddenly looked dangerous.
A Standing Ovation for Messi
In the 76th minute, Mascherano substituted Messi, and 45,000 fans rose to their feet in a moment that captured the magnitude of the tour.
More Debuts
Another new defender, Micael Dos Santos, also made his Inter Miami debut after joining the club recently.
Late in the game, youngsters Kenan Hot and Daniel Pintér—an academy product—came on.
The Late Winner
In stoppage time, Atlético Nacional conceded an own goal, and Inter Miami secured their first preseason win.
Mascherano’s Reaction
Javier Mascherano spoke candidly after the match:
“A tough match. We knew it would be difficult because of the opponent’s quality and the 1,500 meters of altitude—something we’re not used to.”
On the atmosphere:
“Because of everything Lionel Messi generates, Inter Miami are a very special case. This kind of reception and global draw during a preseason tour has never happened before in MLS history.”
On Berterame’s debut:
“He played without having trained with us, and his willingness was very welcome. We wanted to integrate him quickly and help him get to know his teammates.”
Berterame remains eligible for Miami’s next friendly in Ecuador against Barcelona SC, even as visa processes continue.
A Viral Moment: Messi & the Scorpion King
One of the most shared clips from the tour came off the pitch.
Messi exchanged passes with René Higuita, the 59-year-old Colombian legend known for the iconic scorpion kick. Higuita even pulled out the move once more—with Messi watching.
It was a fitting reminder that this tour is more than football. It is history, culture, and global fandom colliding around one team.
