Messi faces Barcelona in the pre-season

Following a remarkable season, Inter Miami is preparing to sharpen its skills ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign with an ambitious pre-season tour across South America. Lionel Messi’s team has officially announced plans to play a series of friendly matches in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, marking a strategic effort to build momentum before the competitive season begins.

Notably, this will be Inter Miami’s second consecutive pre-season visit to Peru, reflecting the club’s growing international ambitions. The tour will commence in Lima, where the team will face local giants Alianza Lima on 24 January at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium. Alianza Lima is one of Peru’s most decorated clubs, having won 25 Primera División titles.

Following the Peru fixture, the squad will travel to Colombia to face Atlético Nacional on 31 January. The Colombian side, two-time Copa Libertadores champions, boasts 18 domestic league titles. Atlético Nacional’s roster includes former MLS star Dairon Asprilla and veteran Colombian national team goalkeeper David Ospina, adding extra intrigue to the encounter.

Inter Miami will conclude its South American tour in Ecuador, taking on Barcelona SC, the traditional powerhouse of Guayaquil. Messi and Luis Suárez will face another “Barcelona” in what promises to be a historic and highly anticipated match at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.

While the full touring squad has not yet been revealed, organisers anticipate large crowds for every fixture, reflecting the global appeal of Messi and Suárez. Inter Miami may also schedule additional pre-season friendlies to further fine-tune the team ahead of the MLS season.

The 2026 MLS season officially begins on 21 February, when Inter Miami will host LAFC at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Following that, a landmark event is scheduled for 4 April: the club will inaugurate its new home, Miami Freedom Park, with a match against Austin FC. Prior to the stadium opening, Inter Miami may play its final fixture of the CONCACAF Champions Cup home leg at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium against either Nashville SC or Atlético Ottawa on 18 March.

Pre-Season Tour Schedule:

The tour underscores Inter Miami’s commitment to strengthening its squad, expanding its global brand, and providing fans across the Americas with a chance to witness world-class football before the MLS season kicks off.