LIMA, Peru – Inter Miami’s preseason tour in South America took an alarming turn on Saturday when new signing Sergio Reguilón was forced off with a right knee injury just 10 minutes into the friendly against Alianza Lima.
The Spanish left-back, one of the club’s key winter additions as they prepare to defend their MLS Cup title in 2026, went down in visible pain after winning a free kick in the attacking third. Initial reports indicate Reguilón felt discomfort in his right knee before a subsequent collision with an Alianza Lima player. He was unable to continue and was immediately replaced by Facundo Mura.
Medical staff attended to the 28-year-old on the pitch before helping him off the field. Inter Miami have not yet released an official diagnosis or timeline, but sources close to the team describe the early signs as “concerning.” Further tests are expected in the coming hours to determine the severity of the injury.
Head coach Javier Mascherano had named a strong starting XI for the match, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul all featuring alongside fellow new arrival Dayne St. Clair in goal and Reguilón at left-back. The decision to start both winter signings underlined their expected importance to Miami’s ambitions this season.
The injury setback appeared to affect the visitors, who conceded twice in the first half – both goals coming from Peruvian legend Paolo Guerrero – as Alianza Lima took a surprising 2-0 lead into the break.
Reguilón’s arrival was seen as a major coup for Inter Miami, bringing proven Premier League and Champions League experience to a backline that will be tasked with protecting the star-studded attack led by Messi and Suárez. Any significant absence would be a blow to Mascherano’s plans as the Herons gear up for the new MLS campaign, which kicks off in late February.
Fans will be anxiously awaiting the next official update on Reguilón’s condition. For now, the focus in the Inter Miami camp shifts from preseason momentum to hoping their new defender avoids a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
More details as they become available.