Casemiro Makes His Inter Miami Debut 20 Days After Brazil's Elimination — But the Night Belonged to a Terrifying Berterame Scare
The Brazilian midfielder played all 90 minutes in a 1–0 win, but the night was overshadowed by a frightening incident involving Berterame, who was stretchered off in an ambulance after a horrifying collision.
Casemiro's Inter Miami debut was supposed to be the story of the night. And it was — but it had to share the spotlight with a moment that sent a chill through everyone inside the stadium.
Twenty days after Brazil's elimination by Norway in the round of 16 at the World Cup, the 34-year-old midfielder started and played all 90 minutes in a 1–0 away win over Montreal in MLS Matchday 17, as reported by ge.
The goal came in the 35th minute of the second half, a cheeky Panenka from Luís Suárez from the penalty spot. But the incident that led to the penalty was the one that stopped everything: Germán Berterame, the 27-year-old Mexican striker, took a heavy blow while contesting an aerial duel, fell unconscious, and spent nearly ten minutes receiving treatment on the pitch before being carried off in an ambulance.
Head coach Guillermo Hoyos was the one to calm nerves after the final whistle. "He is recovering. He is fine, conscious," said Hoyos. The player's family had been informed and was reassured, according to the manager.
Suárez, who converted the penalty, did not celebrate in any ordinary way: he held up the No. 19 shirt — Berterame's — as a tribute to his fallen teammate.
For Inter Miami, the victory is their second match since MLS resumed following the World Cup break. The club is still awaiting the return of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul — both played in the tournament's final last Sunday, against Spain — and remains second in the Eastern Conference.
Casemiro, the club's marquee signing of the season, had not featured in the previous win over Chicago Fire. This time, he went straight into the starting XI for the full ninety minutes. The debut is done. Now, fans can't wait to see what happens when Messi returns alongside the Brazilian.