Inter Miami continued their impressive Major League Soccer run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday. Playing without Lionel Messi for the second consecutive match, the visitors secured all three points thanks to a late Luis Suarez penalty in a game overshadowed by a serious injury to German Berterame.

The result extended Miami’s winning streak and kept the club firmly in the race at the top of the Eastern Conference

German Berterame injury halts play

The defining moment of the match came late in the second half when Inter Miami forward German Berterame was involved in a heavy aerial collision with Montreal defender Efrain Morales.

As both players challenged for the ball, Berterame landed heavily and remained motionless on the pitch. Players from both sides immediately called for medical assistance, leading to a lengthy stoppage while doctors treated the Mexico international.

Following several minutes of medical attention, Berterame was taken off the field in an ambulance. After the match, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos provided an encouraging update on the striker’s condition. “OK and conscious,” were his words.

Hoyos also described the tense moments that unfolded on the field. “His family has been informed of everything. We didn’t know what to do. It was a very desperate situation,” Hoyos said.

Luis Suarez converts from the spot

The collision resulted in a penalty, and Luis Suarez calmly stepped up in the 81st minute to convert from the spot. After scoring, the Uruguayan forward celebrated by holding up Berterame’s jersey in a gesture of support for his injured teammate.

Suarez has been in excellent form, with six goals across his last three appearances. His latest strike also took his tally for the MLS season to nine goals.

Suarez celebrates after successfully taking the penalty
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Suarez celebrates after successfully taking the penalty | X [ESPN]

Casemiro makes winning start for Inter Miami

The match also marked the Major League Soccer debut of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star recently joined Inter Miami and was handed his first appearance just days after completing the move.

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The experienced midfielder controlled possession in the middle of the park and helped dictate the pace of the contest. Despite his influence, both teams struggled to make the most of their chances in front of goal.

Lionel Messi remains unavailable

Lionel Messi was again absent from Inter Miami’s squad as he continues to rest following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup campaign. Fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul also missed his second straight league match after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

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Major League Soccer also confirmed on Saturday that Messi will not be required to feature in next week’s MLS All-Star Game.

Miami climbs closer to Conference leaders

Inter Miami have returned from the World Cup break in strong fashion, winning both league matches since the competition resumed.

The latest success stretched the club’s overall winning run to six games and moved them within two points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, who suffered a 1-0 defeat against Orlando City.

Elsewhere in MLS, Chicago Fire were beaten 3-1 by New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. Agustin Ojeda, Nicolas Fernandez and Malachi Jones found the net for New York, while Joel Waterman scored Chicago’s only goal.

The defeat means Robert Lewandowski is still searching for his first victory since joining Chicago Fire from Barcelona.

FAQs

Who scored Inter Miami’s winning goal against Montreal?

Luis Suarez scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.

Why did Lionel Messi miss the Montreal match?

Messi is resting after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup campaign and missed his second consecutive MLS match.