80,000 fans are waiting to welcome Messi.

"The Messi effect has spread to Peru, with an estimated 80,000 fans expected to fill the Estadio Monumental in Lima. Inter Miami's next match against Universitario de Deportes is creating a huge buzz among Peruvian fans. Security is being tightened to protect Messi and his teammates, as the team owned and chaired by David Beckham will fly to Lima on January 25," reported the Spanish newspaper AS .

The Messi effect has spread to Peru.

The Inter Miami vs. Universitario de Deportes match (taking place at 8:00 AM on January 30th, Vietnam time) is attracting so much attention because the Peruvian team is the most successful in the country. This includes 35 appearances in the Copa Libertadores (similar to the Champions League in Europe), 15 Peruvian league titles, including two consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, according to AS .

With the guaranteed appearance of Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba on Inter Miami's tour, fans in Peru are scrambling to buy tickets to see their idols at the Estadio Monumental. According to AS , the Estadio Monumental, with a capacity of up to 80,000 seats, is likely to be packed, setting a record for attendance at a club match in the country.

Messi and Inter Miami just completed their first pre-season training match for the 2025 season, drawing 2-2 with Club America (Mexico) in Las Vegas on January 19th (winning 3-2 on penalties). Their next match will be against Universitario de Deportes in Peru, part of their first ever tour of the Americas, followed by games against Sporting San Miguelito in Panama (February 3rd) and Olimpia in Honduras (February 9th). Inter Miami will return to Florida (USA) on February 15th to face Orlando City SC, concluding their tour.

Inter Miami recently played their first pre-season training match for 2025, drawing 2-2 with Club America (Mexico).

Inter Miami's squad for the new season currently has around 20 players eligible to play, including the "big four" of stars Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who have been training and playing from the start.

David Beckham's team is still waiting for newly recruited players, who are about to complete their US work visa applications or have just returned from international duty, to soon be back on the training pitch, including Facundo Farias, Drake Callender, Benjamin Cremaschi, Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, Gonzalo Lujan…

According to coach Javier Mascherano: "Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are all guaranteed to play for Inter Miami from the start of the season, with their opening match in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City (February 19). Therefore, their playing time in pre-season training matches will be adjusted, ranging from one half to 60 minutes. Our goal is to help these players reach their best form and physical condition before the official matches of the season begin."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/inter-miami-lan-dau-tien-du-dau-peru-80000-cdv-cho-don-messi-185250125095134822.htm