A viral image showing Alianza Lima supporters painting over a mural of Hernan Barcos was generated using artificial intelligence, fact checkers found. The publication spread across social media platforms as if it portrayed a real event following the Argentine forward's departure from the Peruvian club. The artwork, located at San Cristobal 783 near the Alejandro Villanueva stadium, is one of the most representative murals in the surrounding area.
At the time Verificador de La Republica completed its review, the post with the largest reach was circulating on Facebook. That post registered more than 5,900 likes and exceeded 1,100 comments.
Visual Inconsistencies and Technical Tools
A visual examination of the image identified multiple inconsistencies common in artificial intelligence generation. These included gripping errors on objects, limbs set in unnatural positions, and body morphology anomalies where people appeared with incoherent proportions, postures, and shapes. Elements in the background showed deformations, loss of continuity, and unusual transformations where objects turned into other items.
Specific visual flaws included a hand merging directly into the handle of a paint roller. In another section, the address plaque attached to the property appeared to be transformed into a paint brush.
Technical evaluations using Sightengine, SynthID, and Hive Moderation confirmed signs of digital creation. Sightengine estimated a 99 percent probability that the image was generated by artificial intelligence. SynthID identified multiple visual inconsistencies alongside anatomical and structural artifacts typical of modified or computer-generated images.
Location Status and Prior Circulation
Fact checkers from Verificador de La Republica contacted the administrators of El Banquito del Tio Angel, the commercial establishment where the mural is painted. The administrators ruled out that the artwork had been painted over or removed, confirming that the mural remains completely intact inside their premises and that social media posts do not reflect reality.
The fake image had previously surfaced on social networks during rumors connecting the Argentine striker to Sporting Cristal. At that time, social media pages associated with Alianza Lima reported that the photo was manipulated and questioned its authenticity. The image returned to social media with the same claims after his club exit, even though the physical mural remains untouched.
