Lima, Perú – Late January 2025 — Lionel Messi’s arrival in Lima with Inter Miami ignited an unprecedented phenomenon among Peruvian football fans—something press outlets and social media have dubbed “Messimania”. From early risers lining streets to sold-out souvenirs and emotional stadium receptions, this visit broke every conceivable limit of excitement.

Arrival Scenes: A City Transformed

As Inter Miami’s plane landed at Jorge Chávez International Airport, throngs of fans wearing Inter Miami pink-and-black jerseys, Argentine flags, and Messi memorabilia flooded surrounding streets. Reports confirm they began gathering hours before arrival, chanting Messi’s name and forming a human tide as the team bus approached their hotel.(turn0search2,turn0search0)

Renzo Galiano, prominent Peruvian sports journalist, described it as a once-in-a-generation spectacle: “Hundreds gathered around his hotel to catch just a glimpse… it was an unprecedented experience.”(turn0search0)

 A Record-Breaking Turnout at the Monumental

The match vs. Universitario de Deportes was hosted at Lima’s Estadio Monumental, seating capacity ~80,000—and it was sold out. The atmosphere pulsated with anticipation, chants, and tifos honoring Messi. One Inter Miami official estimated it was the largest crowd the club had ever played in front of.(turn0search3)

As Messi entered the pitch, every touch of the ball drew cheers as loud as goal celebrations. When he was substituted in the second half, the entire stadium gave him a standing ovation. “Each move of Messi was celebrated as if he had scored,” a local observer said.(turn0search0)

 Meet & Greet Controversy: Flashpoint for Consumer Authority

Ahead of the game, a Meet & Greet event was sold at a premium—over 3,000 soles per ticket—promising fan interactions with Messi and other Inter Miami stars. However, Messi did not attend, although other players like Suárez and Busquets were present. That led to official intervention by Peru’s consumer protection agency, Indecopi, which launched an investigation into possible misleading advertising and consumer rights violations.(turn0search6,turn0search11)

Fans expressed frustration on social media using the hashtag #MessiEnLima, citing disappointment and breach of expectations tied to the fan event package.(turn0search10)

Emotional Reception vs. Respectful Context

Media coverage underscored the contrast between Messi’s reception in Peru and earlier tensions in other countries. In Lima, there was no hostility—just admiration. Reporters noted that fans respected Messi as a visiting legend, chanting his name from buses, windows, and sidewalks. He was greeted warmly even through hotel windows.(turn0search9)

Federico Redondo, Messi’s teammate, praised the Peruvian fans’ behavior, saying: “Peru will enjoy the festivities… they understand what it is to see the best in the world.”(turn0news13)

 Messi on the Field: Match Day Ritual

During the match, Messi played about 72 minutes. Though he didn’t score, his presence alone seemed to elevate every moment. The game ended 0-0 and went to penalties, with Inter Miami winning 5–4. When Messi left the field, emotions surged—fans stood, cheered, and waved flags.(turn0search4)

After the final whistle, players from Universitario flocked around Messi for photos and moments of reverence—demonstrating the legendary status he held even among opponents.(turn0search0)

 Merchandise & Local Economy: The Messi Effect

The phenomenon extended beyond game day. In Lima’s commercial districts, especially in Mesa Redonda, vendors reported explosive sales of Messi jerseys, t-shirts, mugs, and plush toys. One local merchant said: “We’ve always sold Lionel products, but now it’s like nothing we’ve seen—people buy from their hearts.”(turn0news12)

This economic ripple illustrated Messi’s cultural impact and Peru’s deep-seated football passion.

Cultivating a Legendary Legacy

“Messimania” in Lima wasn’t just about football—it became a cultural flashpoint. City authorities anticipated crowds and mobilized extra police at hotels, airports, and stadium gates. The Peruvian Football Federation saw the match as a showcase of the country’s capacity to host major sporting events and boost tourism.(turn0search3)

Cultural elements included fan-made banners, choreographies, and music. Even the popular Peruvian cumbia group La T y la M was invited to meet Messi. Fans serenaded him with chants of “Muchachos,” the unofficial anthem of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.(turn0search4)

 Impact & Reflection: Beyond the Game

This eruption of passion contrasts with Messi’s recent reception in other countries. In Mexico, incidents of jeering and hostility marred his appearances. Peru’s welcome—by comparison—is remembered as heartfelt, respectful, and joyous.(turn0search9,turn0news13)

The mismatch between Messi’s decision not to attend the Meet & Greet but still play in the match heightened frustration—but did little to dampen overall enthusiasm. For many fans, even a few seconds of glimpsing Messi—waving from a bus window—was enough to consider the experience magical. “I saw him for five seconds… it was beautiful,” one fan said.(turn0search7)

Timeline at a Glance

Jan 27, 2025: Inter Miami plane lands; fans gather at airports and hotels.

Fan streetside chants and early vigils demanded Messi’s presence.(turn0search2,turn0search0)

Jan 29: Packed Estadio Monumental (~80,000) hosts match; stadium erupts throughout.(turn0search1,turn0search3)

Messi substituted in second half—standing ovation.

Match ended in goalless draw; Inter Miami wins on penalties.(turn0search4)

Indecopi opens investigation into Messi’s absence from paid fan event.(turn0search6,turn0search11)

Conclusion: A Cultural Phenomenon Without Limits

The headline—“¡IMPACTANTE! LA LOCURA POR VER A MESSI EN PERÚ NO TIENE LÍMITES”—is no exaggeration. What was billed as a friendly became a momentous event: sold-out crowds, official investigations, economic surges, fan fervor unmatched in recent memory. Messi’s presence in Lima transcended sport—it entered the realm of cultural landmark.

Even with controversies like the Meet & Greet no-show, Peruvian fans embraced Messi with reverence. The contrast with other receptions in the region only highlights the depth and respect of “Messimanía” in Peru.

Football is passion—and on that night, Messi’s presence in Lima unleashed it with no limits.