Luis Suárez converted a penalty kick moments after teammate Germán Berterame was stretchered into an ambulance, then raised the Mexican international’s No. 19 jersey in a sobering tribute that defined Inter Miami’s 1-0 win at CF Montréal on Saturday night.
The victory at Stade Saputo marked Miami’s sixth consecutive win and pulled the reigning MLS Cup champions within two points of Supporters’ Shield-leading Nashville SC, but the result was overshadowed by a frightening scene that left players visibly shaken.
Berterame’s Scare Stops Play
The incident unfolded in the 70th minute when Berterame was fouled hard inside the box and fell awkwardly on the pitch. Players from both sides immediately waved for medical staff, and after several minutes of treatment, the 26-year-old was transported off the field by ambulance.
Berterame, acquired from LIGA MX side CF Monterrey in January for a reported $15 million, has been a key piece of Miami’s attack with 7 goals and 5 assists in his debut MLS campaign. The severity of the injury was not immediately disclosed.
When play resumed, Suárez stepped to the spot and buried the penalty. Rather than celebrate his ninth goal of the season, the Uruguayan lifted Berterame’s jersey toward the traveling supporters — a gesture that rippled across MLS social channels within minutes.
Suárez Keeps Streak Alive
The goal extended Suárez’s remarkable run to seven straight matches with at least one goal contribution, bringing his season tally to 9 goals and 5 assists. The 38-year-old continues to defy expectations in his second MLS season, anchoring a frontline that has kept Miami surging despite a congested schedule.
Casemiro Makes Miami Debut
Beyond the emotional weight of Berterame’s injury, the night carried significance for Miami’s newest arrival. Casemiro, the Real Madrid legend who signed with the club on Wednesday, logged 89 minutes in his first official appearance since representing Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilian midfielder’s presence adds a proven winner to a locker room already loaded with experience. Casemiro won five UEFA Champions League titles during his decade at Madrid and brings a defensive steel that Miami has lacked in central areas.
What Happens Next
Miami’s medical staff will evaluate Berterame in the coming days, and the club is expected to provide an update before the Aug. 1 home fixture against the Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium. If the injury proves serious, coach Javier Mascherano may need to lean more heavily on his depth during a stretch run that could determine top seed positioning.
Casemiro’s home debut against Columbus will offer the first full look at how the Brazilian fits alongside Suárez and the rest of Miami’s attacking core. A win would pull Miami level with Nashville or potentially leapfrog them, depending on results elsewhere. The Supporters’ Shield race, once a runaway, is now a two-team sprint with roughly a third of the season remaining.
— James Okafor, sports desk, AXO News