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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ben Steiner

How Lionel Messi Fared in First Inter Miami Match of 2026

Lionel Messi Inter Miami Miami MLS Luis Suárez Herons Javier Mascherano Paolo Guerrero Son HeungMin Eurasia Sport Images

Lionel Messi made his 2026 debut on Saturday, but his 22nd year as a professional got off to a rocky start as Inter Miami fell 3–0 to Allianz Lima in a preseason friendly in Peru.

Playing their first match since winning the 2025 MLS Cup against Vancouver Whitecaps on Dec. 6, manager Javier Mascherano started a first-choice lineup, with Messi partnering with 39-year-old longtime teammate Luis Suárez at the top of a 4-4-2. 

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