Inter Miami continues its preseason tour and this Saturday, January 31, made a stop in Medellin, Colombia, where it faced Atletico Nacional in a packed Atanasio Girardot Stadium. The match not only generated expectation because of the presence of the American club, but especially because of Lionel Messi, who was received with applause and ovations in every intervention, far from any hostile environment.
The match marked a special moment for Mexican international striker Germán Berterame, who made his official debut for Inter Miami after being called up by coach Javier Mascherano. The former Monterrey player came on as a substitute in the 59th minute, replacing Luis Suárez, in a night that was significant both individually and collectively.
A long-awaited debut and first sensations
Germán Berterame entered the field with the score tied and showed flashes of his adaptation to the team.
His first clear intervention came in the 62nd minute, when Lionel Messi played him a through ball, but the Colombian goalkeeper blocked it.
Prior to his entrance, Atlético Nacional had taken the lead in the 24th minute with a goal by Juan Manuel Reginfo, igniting the local fans.
However, Inter Miami reacted in the second half after a goalkeeping error.
This play ended with a powerful shot by Messi and a counter-attack by Luis Suárez in the 54th minute, which led to the equalizer.
When Germán Berterame came on, the pink team was already showing more control of the match.
Finally, an own goal by the Atlético Nacional defense in the final minutes sealed the 1-2 victory in favor of Inter Miami, successfully closing their presentation in Colombia.
Berterame’s words after his debut
After the meeting, Germán Berterame expressed his enthusiasm for this new professional challenge:
“The project presented to me by the club was key in the decision.”
“It’s new air for me and my family, and a very big motivation to be able to be part of this team.”
He also highlighted his commitment to the group and MLS:
“I was really looking forward to being with the group and getting to know my teammates and the staff.”
That's what I made this trip to Medellín
Germán Berterame
What’s next for Inter Miami
After this preseason match, Inter Miami will return to Florida to prepare for its debut in the 2026 MLS season.
Scheduled for February 21 against LAFC as a visitor.
Their first home game will be on March 1 against Orlando City, in a new edition of the Florida Derby, now with the pink team as defending champion.
Although internal competition is high with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Telasco Segovia and Rodrigo De Paul, Germán Berterame is expected to have opportunities to get minutes.
Especially with the start of the Concachampions in March, where he could appear from the starting eleven.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
