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

It was Miami's first game since Messi led the South Florida club to its first MLS Cup title by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps on Dec. 6.

And there was plenty of rust in evidence as Miami fell behind with two goals in six first-half minutes from veteran Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero. The 42-year-old former Bayern Munich star struck in the 29th and 35th minutes as the home side took control at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva.

Miami had a golden opportunity to halve its deficit early in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul's pass found Luis Suárez unmarked in front of goal. But the 39-year-old Uruguayan, who signed a one-year contract extension in the offseason, fluffed his shot high over the crossbar.

Connie FRANCE / AFP via Getty Images)

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

But there was more disappointment to come for the visitors when Luis Ramos shot past Miami's new goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to complete Alianza's victory in the 73rd minute.

It has been an offseason of change for Miami, with the now-retired Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets among the notable departures, and a number of fresh faces recruited. As well as St. Clair, new signings Sergio Reguilón and David Ayala also made their first appearances in a Miami jersey.

Miami will hope for a better showing when it continues its preseason with a trip to Medellin, Colombia, for a fixture against Atlético Nacional in a week's time.

The defending champion will open its MLS campaign at LAFC on Feb. 21.