Television host Magaly Medina addressed the widespread online attention surrounding an unexpected encounter with Paolo Guerrero at Lima’s historic Plaza de Acho. A widely circulated video captured the athlete walking a short distance from the presenter during a traditional bullfighting event, drawing immediate commentary across social media platforms regarding their turbulent history and the high-profile legal battle that saw the presenter enter the Santa Mónica penal facility on October 16, 2008.
The coincidence occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during an afternoon corrida at the iconic downtown Lima venue where Medina was seated alongside her husband, Alfredo Zambrano, and a group of friends and relatives.
Addressing the viral footage during media statements, Medina expressed surprise at seeing the forward at the arena, noting that she had never encountered him there previously and remarking, Nunca, en la vida, lo hemos visto en Acho. Súper raro
. Clarifying the exact layout of the location, she explained that she and her guests occupied seats in the barrier row of tendido 6, while the footballer moved through a nearby passageway typically reserved for media personnel, livestock breeders, and invited guests.
Reactions to the Plaza de Acho Encounter
Directly tackling the commentary generated by the circulating clips, Medina maintained a lighthearted yet sharp stance regarding the logistics of the athlete’s seating area. When questioned about whether tickets are required for the corridor zone where the forward was filmed walking, she stated that admission to that specific sector is free of charge, prompting her to remark, La próxima, que compre su entrada
.
Despite online speculation suggesting that the presence of the Alianza Lima player might have disrupted her afternoon, the television personality firmly dismissed any notion of personal annoyance. Emphasizing that she refused to let external circumstances affect her leisure time, she stated that the athlete’s brief appearance passed entirely unnoticed by her while she enjoyed the event with her husband and associates, asserting, ¡Nooo! Su presencia, además, pasó desapercibida
.
When internet commentators joked that the sportsman had stepped into territory considered a regular entertainment routine for the broadcaster, Medina drew a direct parallel to illustrate her perspective. Comparing her regular attendance at the bullring to visiting a football stadium, she noted that her husband, son, brother, and nephew are supporters of the local club where Guerrero is one of the recognized figures.
Family Background Behind the Bullfighting Visit
Providing context for his unexpected appearance at the traditional Lima venue, Paolo Guerrero explained that his attendance stemmed from a lifelong family connection to the tradition rather than a coincidence involving other attendees.
Guerrero noted that his father previously worked as a bullfighter, introducing him to the discipline through archival recordings during his early childhood and helping him develop an interest in horses as well. Describing the outing as a positive experience shared alongside his family, the athlete emphasized that the shared interest developed years before stepping foot inside the arena, stating, Un lindo espectáculo, en realidad. Primera vez, primera experiencia. Mi papá en algún momento fue torero y es la primera vez que estamos aquí. Desde muy chico veía videos y me volví muy aficionado porque mi papá me enseñó. En esto, que es tan increíble, no lo había vivido antes y me siento muy feliz de haber disfrutado de este evento
.
