“Berterame is doing well,” Inter Miami’s statement read. “He was discharged from the hospital today and is returning home after spending the night under observation at Montreal General Hospital.

“He sustained injuries to his left shoulder and nose as a result of the hard blow he suffered during the match. He will begin the corresponding recovery process in the coming days under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff. His progress will determine the timeline for his return to physical activity.“

What happened to Berterame?

Challenging for a high ball near the 70th minute of the game, Berterame was hit from behind by CF Montreal defender Efrain Morales, whose header attempt caught the striker in the shoulder and the back of the head. Berterame landed headfirst on the pitch, which explains the nose injury, and appeared to lose consciousness.

Inter Miami’s medical staff came rushing onto the field as players from both sides reacted and helped the striker while the medics attended to him. Berterame had to be stretchered into an ambulance and was taken immediately to the nearest hospital to Montreal’s home stadium.

According to the club’s latest statement, Berterame is doing well and is out of danger. Still, the scary scenes in Quebec’s metropolis, combined with the fact that it was a head injury, mean the Herons must be patient and take every precaution before Berterame returns to action.

When does Inter Miami play next?

Inter Miami’s next game will be against Columbus Crew on August 1. The Herons will return home, hosting the visitors from Ohio at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami has won six games in a row, going back to May, and will look to make it seven straight against Columbus.

How to watch CF Montreal vs Inter Miami in the USA

Soccer fans won’t find this highly anticipated clash anywhere else, as Apple TV holds exclusive rights to broadcast the action live in its entirety.

The game will be available exclusively through Apple TV, delivering comprehensive live coverage from the opening kick through the closing moments.

Can I watch CF Montreal vs Inter Miami for free?

Viewers in the United States can stream the game live through Apple TV, which currently provides a complimentary 7-day trial for eligible new users.

With this promotion, fans can tune in and watch the action without paying upfront, then decide at the end of the trial period whether they would like to keep their subscription active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami enters this match on a high after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire, a result that lifted the Herons to 34 points and within five of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.

Even without Lionel Messi, Miami has remained one of the conference’s strongest teams and will be aiming to extend its winning run with another valuable three points.

CF Montreal, meanwhile, is looking to recover from a 1-0 loss to Nashville and keep its postseason hopes alive, sitting four points outside the Eastern Conference play-in spots heading into this important clash.

CF Montreal vs Inter Miami: Predicted Lineups

CF Montreal (4-3-3): Sébastian Breza; Dawid Bugaj, Jalen Neal, Efraín Morales, Luca Petrasso; Fabian Herbers, Samuel Piette, Matty Longstaff; Hennadii Synchuk, Prince Owusu, Noah Streit.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Micael dos Santos Silva, Sergio Reguilón; Dániel Pintér, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti, Germán Berterame, Luis Suárez.

What time is the CF Montreal vs Inter Miami match?

The match kicks off today, July 25, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Messi and Rodrigo De Paul won’t be available for Inter Miami’s next two league matches and are also likely to skip the 2026 MLS All-Star Game as they complete their post-tournament rest period.

Messi has enjoyed another productive MLS campaign, registering 12 goals and eight assists in 14 appearances. His absence leaves Inter Miami without its leading scorer as the club looks to continue its strong run in the Eastern Conference.

Why is Lionel Messi unavailable today?

Messi’s absence isn’t related to an injury or disciplinary issue. Instead, it stems from the recovery period granted to players following major international tournaments.

Current agreements between FIFA and FIFPRO reportedly provide players with a minimum 21-day rest period after competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, allowing them time to recover before returning to club duties.

What does Messi’s absence mean for Inter Miami?

Without Messi, Inter Miami will once again rely on the rest of their attacking group to maintain its momentum in the Eastern Conference. The Herons have remained among the conference’s top teams this season and continue to chase first place. While Messi’s creativity and goal-scoring ability are difficult to replace, the club will look to stay on track until its captain is available to return.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A key Eastern Conference showdown is on tap as Inter Miami meets the Chicago Fire in a match with major playoff implications.

In a strong first half of the campaign led by Lionel Messi, Miami remained among the MLS elite to sit five points behind conference-leading Nashville SC. However, Lionel Messi won’t be playing against Chicago today, as he’s getting time to rest after making it all the way to the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina.

Chicago, third in the East with 26 points, has the opportunity to close the gap on both Nashville (33) and Miami (31) with a statement victory on the road. All eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to make his MLS debut with Chicago today.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

The Leagues Cup once again brings together clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX, creating a month-long tournament featuring many of the biggest stars on the continent.

Inter Miami, which lifted the trophy in 2023, enters the competition hoping to capture another title with a star-studded squad led by Lionel Messi. However, there might be a catch.

When does Inter Miami play in the 2026 Leagues Cup?

Inter Miami will open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico de San Luis on August 5. The club will then face Monterrey on August 8 before wrapping up the group stage against Leon on August 12.

All three matches are scheduled to be played at Nu Stadium in Miami, giving Inter Miami home-field advantage throughout the opening phase of the tournament.

Will Lionel Messi play in 2026 Leagues Cup?

That remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the tournament. After leading Argentina through another demanding World Cup campaign, Messi is expected to receive a period of rest before returning to club action.

Inter Miami have not yet confirmed whether the Argentine captain will be available for the opening Leagues Cup matches, and his participation could depend on how much recovery time the club grants him following the World Cup.

Supporters will be watching closely over the coming weeks, as Messi’s availability could significantly influence Inter Miami’s chances of making another deep run and competing for a second Leagues Cup title.

According to an official league statement, “Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”

The investigation centers on MLS discovery rights, a mechanism that grants clubs exclusive negotiating priority for certain players. Inter Miami and the LA Galaxy reached an agreement that allows Miami to acquire Casemiro’s discovery rights, but MLS will not disclose the compensation package until the review is complete.

The veteran midfielder joins Miami after leaving Manchester United, adding another high-profile international star to the club’s roster. Casemiro is expected to strengthen a squad that already features some of the biggest names in world soccer as Inter Miami resumes their MLS campaign.

Inter Miami has faced MLS sanctions before

This isn’t the first time Inter Miami has found itself under league scrutiny. In 2021, MLS sanctioned the club after an investigation concluded that it had violated the league’s salary budget rules by underreporting player compensation. The penalties included a $2 million fine, suspensions for club executives, and significant reductions in allocation money over multiple seasons.

More recently, Inter Miami also clashed with the league after Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended for missing the MLS All-Star Game without documented injuries, prompting public criticism from club owner Jorge Mas.

Casemiro brings elite experience to Miami

Despite the ongoing investigation, Casemiro is eligible to join Inter Miami after signing a short-term contract through the summer of 2027, with an option that could extend the agreement until 2029.

The 34-year-old arrives following a strong final season with Manchester United, where he scored nine goals. Before moving to England in 2022, Casemiro established himself as one of the most decorated midfielders in modern soccer during an extraordinary spell with Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles.

Whether the league’s investigation results in any sanctions remains to be seen, but Casemiro’s arrival further reinforces Inter Miami’s ambition to remain one of MLS’s marquee clubs both on and off the field.

Casemiro brings much-needed balance to the middle of the park, as well as experience. Although much has been said about Inter Miami’s knack for veteran players, they have missed a strong voice of command in midfield. Rest assured, Casemiro will make his voice heard. And if he plays at the level he did during soccer’s biggest tournament, then the sky may truly be the limit for the Herons. With him, Guillermo Hoyos can put together a formidable starting XI.

Obviously, Messi’s absence—he won’t play against the Chicago Fire in Inter Miami’s first game after the season resumed—is huge, but it’s only temporary. Soon enough, the Argentine ace will be back, along with Rodrigo De Paul, and things will go back to the way they used to be for Inter Miami.

When asked by Bolavip, Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter said he wouldn’t be surprised if Messi and De Paul played against them. It’s now been confirmed they won’t, but the same can’t be said for when Chicago and Inter Miami meet again in MLS on Sept. 9 at Soldier Field. Then, the Herons could finally field their ideal projected lineup, which has no shortage of firepower.

Inter Miami’s potential starting XI

On paper, there will only be one change made to the lineup. However, the impact it may have can’t be overlooked. Most likely, Hoyos will stick with the 4-3-3 formation, which makes Inter Miami an attack-minded side, while relying on Casemiro to keep things under control. The starting lineup could look like this:

Dayne St. Clair (GK); Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, German Berterame.

The right-back position is one that could go one of two ways. The starting job is mostly a toss-up between Ian Fray and Facundo Mura. Considering the fatigue sustained by fullbacks—tasked with running up and down the wing—it’s a position that is constantly changing. The same can be said about left-back, but Reguilon appears to have the upper hand over Noah Allen.

Casemiro’s impact

With Casemiro establishing himself in the central defensive midfield role, the Herons may find the missing piece to their puzzle. Obviously, the familiar faces would lead the attack up front, but they would have a lynchpin in the middle to keep them balanced.

Of the many adjectives available to describe Inter Miami, balanced usually isn’t one, as the Herons often find themselves in shootouts, just like their last game before the World Cup hiatus, which ended in a 6-4 win. Time will tell if Casemiro’s arrival will change that or not.

Anticipation for Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut has reached a fever pitch, as the Polish striker is expected to take the pitch for the Chicago Fire today against Inter Miami. However, fans will likely miss out on an iconic marquee showdown against Lionel Messi, who isn’t playing against Chicago today.

Chicago manager Gregg Berhalter is expected to insert his star signing immediately into the matchday squad tonight against Inter Miami, having publicly praised Lewandowski’s relentless work rate and leadership during pre-match press conferences.

Lewandowski completed his landmark move from FC Barcelona, after Poland missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Polish goal-scoring legend arrives in MLS as one of European soccer’s elite talents aiming to cement his legacy in North America.

Lewandowski’s MLS debut was postponed

Lewandowski was originally slated to make his Fire debut last Thursday at home against Thomas Muller and the Vancouver Whitecaps, but the matchup was postponed due to external conditions.

As a result, speculation regarding his fitness and integration has only grown. Having fully traveled with the team to Florida, Lewandowski looks primed to show Major League Soccer that he remains a dominant attacking force.

Projected lineup for Chicago Fire with Lewandowski on it

Berhalter acknowledged the formidable challenge Inter Miami presents on their home pitch, but he is expected to deploy his most potent attacking options, including Lewandowski.

Chicago Fire’s projected lineup:

• Goalkeeper
  • Chris Brady (#1)
• Defenders
  • Jonathan Dean (#24)
  • Jack Elliott (#3)
  • Sam Rogers (#5)
  • Andrew Gutman (#15)
• Midfielders
  • Philip Zinckernagel (#11)
  • Mauricio Pineda (#22)
  • Anton Saletros (#6)
  • Maren Haile-Selassie (#7)
• Forwards
  • Robin Lod (#17)
  • Robert Lewandowski (#9)

Lionel Messi has been ruled out for tonight’s match with Inter Miami as he begins a mandatory 21-day rest period following his heavy workload with the national team. After logging grueling minutes in North America, the mandatory break is essential to ensure the Argentine icon is fully recovered for the stretch run of the MLS regular season.

Messi’s rest period will also force him to miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29. However, because his absence stems from international duty rest protocol, he has been officially cleared by the league and will avoid any disciplinary sanctions or mandatory single-game suspensions usually applied to All-Star scratches.

While the captain recovers, head coach Guillermo Hoyos’ squad will lean on the rest of its core lineup against Chicago Fire, as the Herons continue their push to lock down a top-three playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is expected to play for Chicago today in his MLS debut.

When could Messi return for Inter Miami?

Messi is tentatively targeted to make his return on August 5 when Inter Miami open their Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis. His exact return date will ultimately depend on how quickly he regains match fitness following his intense international workload.

Messi is set to miss at least three MLS regular-season fixtures: tonight’s home match against Chicago, a road trip to CF Montreal on July 25, and an August 1 showdown against the Columbus Crew.

Even while resting, Messi continues to grab headlines: FIFA recently nominated his quarterfinal strike as a candidate for Goal of the Tournament, while his team is ready with Luis Suarez in the lead to play against Chicago.

“You know, I have a lot of respect for Inter Miami,” Berhalter said in response to Bolavip during his Monday press conference. “They have a great squad, they’ll most likely be missing a couple players in (Lionel) Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, although you never know with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, I wouldn’t be surprised if they somehow played in the game.“

Messi and De Paul are among the Argentine players who didn’t fly back to Buenos Aires after the World Cup final, in which a 10-man Albiceleste side lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time.

However, neither of them is expected to return to club action soon. Messi went back to his native Rosario to rest and spend time with his family after a grueling World Cup run, whereas De Paul’s immediate plans remain unknown.

Lewandowski expected to make MLS debut with Chicago in Miami

Despite Berhalter’s cautious approach, Messi and De Paul are most likely to miss Inter Miami’s first games after the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lewandowski is expected to make his MLS debut for Chicago in Miami.

“We’ll see on Wednesday how long he can play,” Berhalter said of the Pole superstar, who arrived in the Windy City as a free agent after his contract with FC Barcelona expired.

Asked by Bolavip if Lewandowski’s arrival puts Chicago on the same level or at least closer to the defending MLS Cup champions, Berhalter said Wednesday’s game could be a good measuring stick, even if Messi and De Paul don’t play.

“Well, we’re going to see on Wednesday night where we are, right?” Berhalter said. “But for us, we just want to keep getting better. One thing I can tell you about Robert is, (he has a) tremendous work rate. When you think about a guy coming into the team who was jet lagged all last week, and he’s pushing the guys in training. We’re doing fitness stuff, he’s pushing that, he’s doing extra work.

“So you can see why he’s been a pro, and you can see why he’s scored more goals than anyone in Europe in the last 15 years, because he’s an absolute pro on the field and in the training sessions. He’s been high quality, scoring goals, and he looks like a great player.”

Kickoff between Inter Miami (9-4-2, second in the East with 31 points in 15 games) and Chicago Fire (8-2-4, third with 26 points in 14 games) is set for Wednesday, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET) at Nu Stadium in Miami.

According to The Miami Herald’s Michelle Kaufmann, Nu Stadium has been selected to host the 2026 Campeones Cup. As the reigning MLS representative, Inter Miami are locked into the marquee fixture, where they will square off against the eventual Liga MX champion, determined by the upcoming clash between Mexican giants Deportivo Toluca and Cruz Azul.

With an official announcement expected on Wednesday, Kaufmann confirmed the high-profile match will take place right in Inter Miami’s backyard. Anticipation is already building over who the Herons will face, setting the stage for Messi and company to potentially hoist a trophy in their brand-new home stadium for the very first time.

In the meantime, Messi’s immediate focus remains on the training table. The iconic playmaker is currently racing against the clock to recover from an injury setback as he anchors Argentina’s training camp ahead of their June 16 World Cup opener against Algeria in Group J.

Another trophy for Messi’s cabinet coming up?

Regardless of how things shake out on the international stage this summer, Messi has a golden opportunity to lift his first-ever trophy on Inter Miami’s true home turf. While he has celebrated plenty of championships in his career, doing so at Nu Stadium would be a historic first, given the state-of-the-art venue just opened its doors this season.

Securing the Campeones Cup would mark Messi’s fifth piece of silverware since arriving in South Florida two and a half years ago. Reaching that milestone would cement his legacy as one of the few standard-bearers in Inter Miami’s brief history to accumulate that much hardware in such a short span.

The Inter Miami faithful now eagerly await Wednesday’s formal announcement confirming Nu Stadium as the battleground for this year’s Campeones Cup, with the identity of their Liga MX opponent set to be finalized immediately following the conclusion of the World Cup.