Wait, is it really 2026 already? It feels like just yesterday we were watching the confetti fall at the end of the 2025 season. But here we are. Inter Miami is coming off an absolute heater—reigning MLS Cup champions, world-beating vibes, and a roster that still looks like a FIFA video game come to life. Honestly, the hype around the inter de miami next game is hitting levels I haven't seen since Messi first stepped foot in Fort Lauderdale.
If you’re looking for the short answer: the first time you’ll see the Herons back on the pitch is January 24, 2026.
They aren't staying in Florida for this one. No, the club is heading to Lima, Peru, to face Alianza Lima. It’s the kickoff of their "Champions Tour" through South America. It’s kinda wild to think about the logistics of moving this circus from city to city, but that’s the reality of being the most famous club in the Western Hemisphere.
The inter de miami next game: Preseason or Statement?
Let’s be real for a second. Preseason games are usually a bit of a snooze. You expect heavy legs, endless substitutions, and guys you've never heard of wearing numbers like 74 and 82. But for Inter Miami, there is no such thing as a "friendly."
When Messi is on the team sheet, the stadium sells out. Period. The game against Alianza Lima at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva is basically a coronation. It’s the first time the defending MLS Cup champs get to show off their new hardware on foreign soil.
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Why Lima?
Miami actually went to Peru last year too, so they clearly liked the reception. Alianza Lima is no joke—they’ve got 25 league titles. They play a physical, technical style that actually gives Miami a decent look at where their fitness stands. Plus, the atmosphere in Lima is going to be electric. You think MLS crowds are loud? Just wait until you see 30,000 Peruvians trying to get a glimpse of Leo.
The Full Preseason Slate
If you can't catch the opener, the rest of the tour looks like this:
- January 31: Traveling to Medellín, Colombia, to take on Atlético Nacional at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot.
- February 7: Heading to Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a matchup with Barcelona de Guayaquil.
That last one is interesting because, well, it’s Barcelona vs. "Barcelona." It’s the first time Inter Miami has ever played an Ecuadorian side. It's a smart branding move, honestly.
What’s different about the squad this time?
Javier Mascherano has a bit of a puzzle on his hands this year. Most of us expected Luis Suárez might call it a career after winning the Cup, but the legend signed a one-year extension through 2026. That said, he’s 38. Reports out of the camp suggest he won't be a 90-minute guy anymore.
The big rumor—and it’s a spicy one—is that Miami is chasing Germán Berterame from Monterrey. They’re reportedly ready to drop $15 million on his release clause. If that happens before the inter de miami next game, the attacking dynamic changes completely. Berterame is 27, in his prime, and would basically be the engine that allows Messi to float and create without having to do all the heavy lifting.
They've also been busy elsewhere. We’re seeing some fresh faces like:
- Dayne St. Clair: The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is now between the sticks for Miami. Huge upgrade.
- Sergio Reguilón: Bringing that European pedigree to the wing-back position.
- Daniel Pinter: Keep an eye on this 18-year-old kid they just promoted. He’s been lighting up MLS Next Pro.
Looking ahead to the "Real" games
While the South American tour is great for the brand, the inter de miami next game that actually counts for the standings is February 21, 2026.
They’re opening the MLS season against LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That’s a massive stage. It’s a rematch of some of the most intense cross-conference battles we’ve seen lately. Plus, Son Heung-min is leading the line for LAFC now. Imagine that: Messi vs. Son in the Coliseum. It sounds like a movie trailer.
The road trip doesn't end there, though. Miami won't actually play a home game at their fancy new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, until April 4 against Austin FC. Until then, they are basically the Harlem Globetrotters of soccer, playing in Baltimore, Orlando, and New York.
How to watch and what to expect
If you’re trying to catch the inter de miami next game, your best bet is still the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Even for the preseason friendlies, they usually have some form of broadcast, though the South American tour might have different rights holders depending on your region.
Don't expect 90 minutes of Messi in Lima. Mascherano is smart. He’s going to manage those minutes like they’re gold bars. You’ll probably see the "Big Four" start, play a crisp 45 to 60 minutes to give the fans what they paid for, and then the kids will come on to finish it out.
The real value in these early games is seeing how the new signings—specifically St. Clair and Reguilón—mesh with the established core. Miami struggled at times with defensive transitions last year, and these friendlies are the only time they get to iron that out before the Concacaf Champions Cup starts in March.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Kickoff: The Lima game on Jan 24 is at 5:00 PM ET. Don't rely on local time if you're streaming from the States.
- Ticket Strategy: If you're planning to go to a game in 2026, especially the home opener at Miami Freedom Park, buy now. Prices are already astronomical on the secondary market.
- Roster Watch: Keep an eye on the Germán Berterame situation. If the deal closes, he could debut during the tour.
- Travel Plans: If you're a traveling supporter, the March 7 game against D.C. United is actually being played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, not D.C. Don't book the wrong hotel.