Inter Miami

Messi Mania in Peru: Inter Miami's Thrilling Preseason Showdown!

Did you catch the buzz in Peru? Inter Miami, led by the legendary Messi, left 80,000 fans chanting and cheering after a nail-biting match!

In a thrilling preseason friendly that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Inter Miami CF triumphed over Club Universitario de Deportes with a nail-biting scoreline of 5-4 in penalties, following a tense 0-0 draw in regular time. The excitement was palpable as the match unfolded in front of a whopping 80,000 enthusiastic fans in Lima, Peru. Many fans of the Peruvian champions were treated to a mesmerizing display of football, as they witnessed the magic of Lionel Messi, whose presence alone sent the stadium into a frenzy!

Coach Javier Mascherano was keen to test his squad as this was the second of three matchups scheduled throughout Latin America. Messi, alongside his teammates, displayed tenacity and skill while battling against Universitario, showing fans just how far they've come since joining the MLS. Despite a quiet scoreline during regulation time, both teams showcased their skills, creating scoring opportunities that just wouldn't convert, leading to a thrilling penalty shootout to decide the winner.

The match certainly lived up to its hype, with Messi walking onto the field greeted by a thunderous standing ovation from the local fans. Even though the celebrations were turned upside down by the score not painting the whole picture, it was the sheer excitement and passion from the crowd that made the night unforgettable. International fixtures like this remind fans of the beautiful game's power in bridging cultures and uniting supporters across borders.

As Inter Miami transitions into the 2025 season, they continue to build on their experiences from this thrilling encounter. Not only have they started strong under the new coach Javier Mascherano, winning two matches in their preseason, they are also fast becoming a fan favorite in international waters. Keep an eye out for their next thrilling matchup and how they will leverage these high-stakes games for their upcoming MLS season!

Intriguingly, football fans around the world have been buzzing about how Messi’s move to Inter Miami has elevated the visibility of Major League Soccer (MLS). Did you know that Inter Miami CF has climbed the ranks to be one of the most talked about teams in the league, attracting attention not just in the USA, but globally? Also, as of 2025, even with Messi aboard, Los Angeles FC still holds the crown as the most valuable franchise in MLS! Who would have thought a little competition would lead to such legendary showdowns?