Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday, marking a successful debut for newly signed midfielder Casemiro. The win was achieved without superstar Lionel Messi who remains sidelined to rest following Argentina's recent World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Luis Suarez clinched the match for Miami by converting an 81st-minute penalty. Suarez dedicated his goal to teammate German Berterame by holding up his jersey during the celebration. Moments earlier Berterame had suffered a severe head injury following a mid-air collision with Montreal's Efrain Morales. After a lengthy delay Berterame was removed from the pitch in an ambulance. Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later reassured the public that Berterame was conscious and that his family had been fully briefed on the situation.
The match showcased Casemiro’s immediate value to the squad. The 34-year-old, who recently arrived from Manchester United successfully controlled the midfield tempo throughout his first appearance. Meanwhile Suarez maintained his prolific scoring streak taking his season total to nine goals.
Looking ahead MLS officials confirmed that Messi will not be required to participate in next week's All-Star game. Messi's Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul also missed Saturday's match. With this result Inter Miami extends its post-World Cup winning streak to six matches, sitting just two points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville. Elsewhere in the league, Robert Lewandowski remains winless with the Chicago Fire following a 3-1 defeat against New York City FC.
