Whenever Lionel Messi steps onto the field for Inter Miami or the Argentina national team, fans and players alike scramble for the opportunity to secure his legendary No. 10 jersey. Following his first match of 2026, Alan Cantero, a striker for Alianza Lima, was fortunate enough to receive this coveted shirt, leading to an emotional moment as he broke down in tears after the friendly match.
Inter Miami Faces Surprising Setback in 2026 Opener
After a historic MLS Cup victory in 2025, Inter Miami is gearing up for a new season filled with challenges ahead. The team is set to compete across various tournaments, with whispers suggesting a potential special invitation to the Copa Libertadores. However, ahead of their highly anticipated return to competitive play, Javier Mascherano’s squad, which has seen the retirement of former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, is focused on rebuilding their fitness and sharpening their skills.
Unfortunately, their opening game of the year ended in a surprising 3-0 defeat against a Peruvian team, revealing some rustiness in their performance. Despite the loss, Messi’s presence was warmly welcomed by both the local crowd and the players on the field, reflecting his enduring impact in the sport.
Cantero's Emotional Encounter with Messi
In the aftermath of the match, Alan Cantero expressed his overwhelming joy at receiving Messi’s shirt during an interview with Latina Deportes. “Leo is my idol; he has inspired me since childhood to pursue my dreams,” Cantero shared. “It’s such an honor to ask him for his jersey. I’m truly excited, and it will go in a frame at home.”
With tears streaming down his face, he continued, “When the game ended, I finally got to greet him, something I have always longed for. It fills me with immense happiness to have shared the field with him today. His humility and willingness to support young players is inspiring. I am living my dream.”
The Significance of Messi's Jersey to Opponents
For many players, receiving Messi’s jersey is akin to winning a trophy. Santiago Sosa, who faced Messi while playing for Atlanta United in September 2023, described the experience: “[Players] typically wear two jerseys during a match, one for each half. I gave him mine, and he sent me one he had worn in the first half. Facing him is a memory I will cherish forever, and having his shirt is a wonderful keepsake not just for me but for my family as well. It’s a trophy in its own right.”
Sosa reminisced about the moment he received Messi’s shirt: “When I grabbed it, it smelled like perfume!” This sentiment reflects the admiration and respect that many players hold for the Argentine icon. In another incident in February 2025, Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara requested Messi’s jersey after officiating a CONCACAF Champions Cup match, highlighting the allure of Messi’s shirt beyond just players.
Upcoming Fixtures for Inter Miami in South America
Inter Miami faced a tough challenge against Alianza Lima, conceding two quick goals from 42-year-old forward Paolo Guerrero within the first six minutes of the match. Luis Ramos sealed the game with a third goal in the 72nd minute, while Messi and fellow star Luis Suarez struggled to find the net.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will have more opportunities for players eager to exchange jerseys with Messi during their upcoming four-game Champions Tour in South America. Their schedule includes matches against Atletico Nacional in Colombia on January 31, Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador on February 7, and Independiente de Valle, the reigning Ecuadorean Serie A champions, in Puerto Rico on February 13. This tour promises to be another exciting chapter for Messi and Inter Miami as they continue to make their mark on the international stage.
