Inter Miami Defeats CF Montréal Behind Luis Suárez Penalty Without Messi

Inter Miami arrived in Quebec missing two of its biggest international names without the star player Lionel Messi and his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul, who were recovering from the World Cup final with Argentina. Yet the visitors still found a way to extend their winning streak, relying on veteran poise and a second-half breakthrough.

Luis Suárez Converts Panenka Penalty After Medical Emergency

The match turned in the 70th minute during a collision in the penalty area. Inter Miami forward Germán Berterame suffered a severe head impact in an aerial duel with Montréal defender Efrain Morales, falling hard to the turf and requiring an ambulance on the field.

The rare scene drew medical staff immediately to the player’s bedside, halting play for roughly ten minutes before Berterame was transported off the pitch. Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos later confirmed that the forward was conscious and recovering from the heavy blow.

Referee Alexis Da Silva had already pointed to the penalty spot for the initial challenge before assessing Berterame’s condition. Stepping up to take the kick, Luis Suárez beat goalkeeper Sébastian Breza with a precise panenka. Suárez celebrated his sixth goal in three matches by holding up Berterame’s jersey.

CF Montréal Struggles Financially and Offensively in Finishing Third Straight Match Without a Goal

For the hosts, the defeat underscored a frustrating offensive drought. Despite generating multiple scoring chances early in the match, Montréal failed to capitalize, extending its streak to 270 minutes without finding the back of the net in MLS play.

Daniel Ríos missed an open net in the fifth minute following a cross from Prince Owusu, while Hennadii Synchuk saw a clever backheel stopped in extremis by goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. In the second half, Owusu missed another clear opportunity.

Unfortunately, it’s the same thing as Wednesday night and almost the same as against TFC. On the commitment, the desire, and the respect of the game plan, everything is in place. Now, we are just missing this efficiency in the final third. Philippe Eullaffroy, head coach of CF Montréal, via La Presse

Montréal captain Samuel Piette acknowledged the team’s defensive solidity while lamenting the lack of execution in the attacking zone. The club sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with 15 points in 17 matches, marking six consecutive matches without a win.

Roster Additions Bring Star Power to Inter Miami

While missing its iconic Argentine forward, Inter Miami integrated new high-profile talent into the lineup. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, holding five UEFA Champions League titles, played the full 90 minutes in his debut appearance for the club.

The victory lifts Inter Miami’s record to 11 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws, cementing its status near the top of the Eastern Conference. CF Montréal holds a 4-10-3 record and will look to reverse its fortunes when it hosts the New England Revolution next Saturday at Stade Saputo.