Inter Miami’s 2026 pre-season plans have ignited global excitement, with Lionel Messi potentially facing some of South America’s most historic clubs, including a possible emotional reunion against Barcelona. The Major League Soccer champions have confirmed the first three fixtures of their Champions Tour, a high-profile pre-season run that will take the club across Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador starting next month.
For fans across the continent, the announcement represents far more than friendly matches. It is a celebration of football heritage, star power, and competitive pride, with Inter Miami CF bringing its global icon to stadiums rich with history and passion.
Lionel Messi Inter Miami Pre-Season Tour Begins in Peru
Inter Miami will open its pre-season schedule on January 24, 2026, in Lima, Peru, facing Alianza Lima at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva. This marks the club’s second consecutive pre-season visit to Peru, underlining the region’s importance in Miami’s growing international footprint.
Alianza Lima stands as one of Peru’s most decorated teams, having captured 25 First Division titles. The club also boasts an international competition trophy, reinforcing its stature beyond domestic success. For Inter Miami, the match offers an early test against a side known for its tactical discipline and intense home support.
The fixture also gives Peruvian fans a rare opportunity to see Messi in person, wearing Miami colors, in what promises to be a sold-out and electric atmosphere.
Lionel Messi Inter Miami Pre-Season Tour Continues in Colombia
The tour then moves north to Medellín, Colombia, where Inter Miami will face Atlético Nacional on January 31, 2026, at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. This matchup may be the most competitively daunting of the three.
Atlético Nacional is Colombia’s most successful club, with an extensive trophy haul that includes 18 First Division titles, two Copa Libertadores crowns, and multiple continental and domestic honors such as the Copa Merconorte, Copa Interamericana, and Recopa Sudamericana. The club’s history and attacking style present a significant challenge, even for an MLS Cup champion.
For Inter Miami, the Medellín fixture serves as a benchmark test ahead of the new season, measuring the squad’s readiness against elite South American opposition.
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Messi’s Potential Barcelona Reunion Highlights Ecuador Finale
The final stop on the Champions Tour may carry the deepest emotional weight. On February 7, 2026, Inter Miami will face Barcelona de Guayaquil at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, marking Miami’s first-ever match against an Ecuadorian side.
Barcelona de Guayaquil is the most successful club in Ecuador’s top-flight league, with 16 league titles. Beyond the statistics, the name “Barcelona” inevitably sparks memories of Messi’s legendary years in Europe, making this fixture symbolically powerful despite being a friendly.
The match closes the three-game South American stretch and caps a tour designed to blend competition, global exposure, and cultural connection.
Champions Tour Schedule at a Glance
Inter Miami CF vs. Alianza Lima – January 24, 2026 (5 p.m. ET), Lima, Peru
Inter Miami CF vs. Atlético Nacional – January 31, 2026 (5 p.m. ET), Medellín, Colombia
Inter Miami CF vs. Barcelona de Guayaquil – February 7, 2026 (7 p.m. ET), Guayaquil, Ecuador
As the reigning MLS Cup champions from Major League Soccer, Inter Miami’s ambitious pre-season tour underscores the club’s growing international ambition and the unmatched global pull of Lionel Messi.
