Messi, Miami open preseason with loss to Alianza Lima

Lionel Messi played 63 minutes as Inter Miami opened its preseason with a decisive 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima in the Peruvian capital on Saturday.

The match marked Miami's first game since Messi led the South Florida club to its historic first MLS Cup title with a victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6.

Rust was evident throughout the match as Miami fell behind early. Veteran Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero proved too much to handle, scoring twice in a six-minute span. The 42-year-old former Bayern Munich star found the net in the 29th and 35th minutes, giving the home side commanding control at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva.

Miami had a golden opportunity to cut into the deficit early in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul's precise pass found Luis Suárez unmarked in front of goal. However, the 39-year-old Uruguayan, who signed a one-year contract extension in the offseason, sent his shot sailing high over the crossbar, missing a crucial chance to get his team back in the game.

The South American trio of Suárez, Messi, and De Paul were all substituted by coach Javier Mascherano just past the hour mark as they continue building fitness ahead of the new season.

The disappointment continued for the visitors when Luis Ramos beat Miami's new goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to complete Alianza's victory in the 73rd minute.

It has been an offseason of significant change for Miami, with the now-retired Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets among the notable departures. Several fresh faces have been recruited to fill the void. In addition to St. Clair, new signings Sergio Reguilón and David Ayala also made their first appearances in a Miami jersey.

Miami will look to bounce back when it continues its preseason with a trip to Medellín, Colombia, for a fixture against Atlético Nacional in a week's time.

The defending champions will open their MLS campaign at LAFC on February 21.