Alianza Lima vs Inter Miami LIVE: Lionel Messi comes off! (2-0) 2026 international friendly

Inter Miami make multiple changes as Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul leave the match. Daniel Pinter, David Ruiz, and David Ayala come on as Javier Mascherano looks to refresh the lineup for the remainder of the second half.

Inter Miami escape a third goal after a swift Alianza Lima counterattack leads to an excellent collective move. Federico Girotti plays a ball into the middle for Alan Cantero, who also leads the break and gets off a shot, but he fails to strike it cleanly and sends it just wide of the target.

Early in the second half, Inter Miami look more alert and aggressive going forward, increasing the pressure on Alianza Lima. However, the visitors are still unable to turn that momentum into clear chances, while the hosts see opportunities to exploit counterattacks left open by Javier Mascherano’s side.

As expected, Christian Carbajal is unable to continue after the earlier foul. Alianza Lima make a forced change, with Alessandro Burlamaqui coming on to replace him in midfield.

Ian Fray commits a foul on Christian Carbajal, leaving the Alianza Lima midfielder down on the pitch and appearing to be in discomfort.

Alianza Lima make several changes to start the second half. Eryc Castillo, Paolo Guerrero, Jesús Castillo, Jairo Vélez and Gaspar Gentile leave the field, while Federico Girotti, Luis Ramos, Fernando Gaibor, Alan Cantero and Kevin Quevedo come on as the hosts look to manage the game and keep the intensity high.

The match resumes at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva as Alianza Lima and Inter Miami get back to action for the second half.

The first half comes to an end at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva with Alianza Lima firmly in control. The hosts head into the break with a two-goal advantage after an efficient attacking display, while Inter Miami face work to do in the second half.

Alianza Lima come close to extending the lead on a lightning-fast counterattack led by Eryc Castillo. The winger squares the ball to Hernán Gentile, who gets off a clean shot, but Dayne St. Clair reacts quickly to make a crucial save and keep Inter Miami alive.

Inter Miami push to pull one back before halftime, earning three consecutive corner kicks but failing to make any of them count. Yannick Bright also has a clear look during the sequence, but the chance comes to nothing. The visitors apply pressure, yet a lack of efficiency in the final third—and shaky defending—continues to hurt them.

Alianza Lima double the lead with another well-worked attacking move as they continue to control the match. Eryc Castillo wins possession down the left flank and drives forward before sending a low pass into the box. Paolo Guerrero finds space away from his marker and calmly finishes to make it 2-0.

After the goal, Inter Miami struggle to find an immediate response. Alianza Lima sense the momentum is on their side and commit numbers forward, pressing high and keeping the visitors pinned back as they look to build on their lead.

Alianza Lima strike first in Lima following a corner kick. Maximiliano Falcón initially clears the delivery, but Jesús Castillo reacts quickly and fires a shot that turns into an assist for Hernán Gentile. Gentile’s effort takes a deflection, and Paolo Guerrero stays alert inside the box, rising to head the rebound into the net and send the home crowd into celebration.

Alianza Lima squander a massive opportunity inside the box after winning three consecutive rebounds. A loose shot from Jairo Velez falls to Paolo Guerrero right in front of goal, but a poor first touch prevents the finish. In any case, the play would not have counted, as Guerrero was flagged offside.

Alianza Lima answer back with a strong warning of their own, putting together their best collective play of the match with a high volume of accurate passes. The move is driven by Chávez and ends with a pass to Eryc Castillo, who strikes first time, but his effort flies well over the crossbar.

Gianfranco Chávez commits a foul on Ian Fray just outside the penalty area, giving Inter Miami a prime opportunity. Lionel Messi steps up to take the free kick, and his effort whistles narrowly past the post, sending a warning from the visitors.

Inter Miami make an early change following the foul on Sergio Reguilón. Head coach Javier Mascherano decides not to take any risks, withdrawing Reguilón after he was left shaken by the challenge, and Facundo Mura comes on as his replacement.

Hernán Gentile comes in with a tough tackle on Sergio Reguilón, one of Inter Miami’s new signings. The defender goes down and requests medical attention, but after a brief check he is able to return to the match.

Alianza Lima put together an excellent attacking sequence started by Mateo Antoni, the center back who steps into the attack. Antoni threads a through ball to Paolo Guerrero, who plays a quick one-two with Jairo Vélez before firing a shot. A Miami defender recovers in time and gets across to block the attempt, preventing a clear look at goal.

Inter Miami look to connect repeatedly with Lionel Messi to spark their attacking moves, using him as the main creative outlet. Alianza Lima, meanwhile, focus on winning the ball back and controlling possession as they try to capitalize on their home-field advantage.

In the opening minutes, Ian Fray comes in with a strong challenge on Eryc Castillo, leaving the Alianza Lima winger shaken on the turf. Castillo receives brief attention but manages to get back on his feet and continue the match.

The ball is rolling at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva as Alianza Lima and Inter Miami get their international friendly underway.

Guillermo Viscarra; Luis Advíncula, Renzo Garcés, Mateo Antoni, Jesús Castillo; Christian Carbajal, Jairo Concha, Gianfranco Chavez, Eryc Castillo; Paolo Guerrero, Hernán Gentile.

The highly anticipated Noche Blanquiazul got underway at 3:25 p.m. local time with a dance opening, followed by a welcome from the event hosts and the presentation of Alianza Lima’s E-Sports, Futsal Down, Liga 3, and women’s squads. At 3:50 p.m., the first team were officially introduced to the crowd, setting the stage for the friendly against Inter Miami.

Here's Inter Miami's confirmed lineup against Alianza Lima!

Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Sergio Reguilón; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti, Luis Suárez.

The Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, popularly known as Matute, is a soccer stadium located in the Matute neighborhood of the La Victoria district in Lima, Peru. The venue is owned by Alianza Lima and has a seating capacity of 33,938 spectators, making it one of the most iconic stadiums in the country.

The match officials for today’s international friendly have been confirmed. Bryan Ferreyra will serve as the referee, while Gastón Monsón Brizuela will be in charge of VAR for Alianza Lima vs Inter Miami.

While there has been no official confirmation from head coach Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi traveled with the rest of the squad to Lima, and indications suggest he could see playing time at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva. His presence has fueled excitement around the Noche Blanquiazul, as fans await a potential appearance from the Inter Miami star.

Alianza Lima vs Inter Miami will get underway at 5:00 PM ET (PT: 2:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 International friendly match between Alianza Lima and Inter Miami live in the USA on OneFootball.

Welcome to our liveblog of today’s international friendly!

Alianza Lima face Inter Miami in Lima as part of the Noche Blanquiazul, with a special atmosphere expected at kickoff. The Peruvian side look to reconnect with their fans, while the MLS champions take the field led by Lionel Messi.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Alianza Lima and Inter Miami clash in this highly anticipated matchup.