Luis Suárez once again took center stage in Lionel Messi’s absence and led Inter Miami to an important 1-0 victory over CF Montréal in MLS action. The Uruguayan forward scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot, allowing the Florida-based team to close in on the top spot in the Eastern Conference, although the win was marred by a concerning injury to Argentine Germán Berterame, who had to be taken off the field by ambulance.
With Messi still out of the lineup after being given a rest following the World Cup, Suárez once again demonstrated his experience and leadership. After scoring two goals midweek against the Chicago Fire, the Uruguayan forward came through again when Inter Miami needed him most.
Luis Suárez Saves Inter Miami Without Messi
The Gunslinger 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/1mw2fIjfOg
– Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2026
The game was very close, and neither team created many clear scoring chances for most of the match.
However, everything changed in the final stretch when one of the most shocking moments of the night occurred.
During a battle for an aerial ball inside the penalty area, Germán Berterame collided violently with Bolivian defender Efraín Morales.
The Argentine forward was left lying on the field and required immediate medical attention, which prompted an ambulance to enter the field to transport him to a hospital.
The play was reviewed by the referee, who awarded a penalty kick to Inter Miami following the contact.
Luis Suárez stepped up to take the penalty and, with his characteristic composure, scored a Panenka-style goal in the 81st minute to beat the opposing goalkeeper and secure the three points for Las Garzas.
How is Berterame doing?
A terrifying moment.
Germán Berterame, of Inter Miami, collapsed and began convulsing. Fortunately, his teammates were there to help him until the paramedics arrived.
— José Luis Morales (@JLMNoticias) July 26, 2026
After the match, coach Guillermo Hoyos offered an encouraging update on the Argentine forward’s condition.
“Berterame is conscious,” the coach said, though he did not provide any further details about the severity of the injury or the estimated recovery time.
The victory also marked Brazilian Casemiro’s long-awaited official debut in an Inter Miami jersey.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player played the full 90 minutes and began to showcase the experience he will bring to the Florida team’s midfield.
Here’s where Inter Miami stands in the standings
Berterame ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nKBaYRIFrr
– Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2026
Thanks to this result, the Miami team capitalized on Nashville SC’s loss to Orlando City and narrowed the gap in the race for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Nashville remains in first place with 39 points, while the pink-clad team has reached 37, leaving the race for the top wide open.
The MLS matchday also produced other notable results.
The New England Revolution routed Atlanta United 4-1 with a goal by Spain’s Carles Gil, while Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón scored the visitors’ consolation goal.
Meanwhile, New York City FC defeated the Chicago Fire 3-1 with goals from Argentines Nicolás Fernández and Agustín Ojeda.
In addition, Robert Lewandowski played the second half for the Fire, although he has yet to win a game since joining MLS.
In the Western Conference, the Vancouver Whitecaps provisionally retained the lead after a scoreless draw against Minnesota United, although their position will depend on the results of the rest of the matchday.
Filed under: Luis Suárez Saves Inter Miami
