Inter Miami secured a 1‑0 win over CF Montreal on Tuesday night, thanks to a decisive penalty from veteran striker Luis Suárez in the 81st minute. The match, played at DRV PNK Stadium, kept the club’s momentum alive after a string of strong performances in the MLS regular season.
The goal came after a scramble inside the box following a cross from the right flank, when the referee pointed to the spot after a handball was deemed to have occurred inside the area. Suárez stepped up calmly and sent the ball low to the left side of the net, leaving the Montreal goalkeeper rooted.
A Late Decider
Suárez’s strike not only added three points to Inter Miami’s tally but also marked his ninth goal of the campaign and his sixth in the last three matches, highlighting his sharp form heading into the knockout stages. The goal was the culmination of a relentless attacking push that had been building throughout the second half.
The result extended the club’s winning streak to six consecutive matches, a run that has propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference and kept their playoff hopes alive. Each victory has been built on solid defensive organization and timely contributions from key players.
However, the night was marred by a concerning injury to forward Germán Berterame, who collided with midfielder Efraín Morales in a head‑to‑head clash and was subsequently stretchered off for medical attention. The team confirmed that he was taken away in an ambulance, and further updates on his condition are expected in the coming days.
Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, who started for the third time this season, made two crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, while Sébastian Breza recorded a single stop for Montreal but has yet to register a shutout in his two appearances. Both keepers were tested by a series of dangerous crosses and long‑range attempts.
The match also marked the debut of Brazil’s World Cup champion Carlos Casemiro for Inter Miami, who entered the game as a substitute and was immediately integrated into the midfield. His presence added a defensive solidity that the team had been seeking after a few earlier matches.
Lionel Messi, who has been absent from the lineup for the first two post‑World Cup fixtures, remained on the bench, allowing the team to rely on other attacking options. Coach Phil Neville praised the squad’s depth and expressed confidence that Messi will be available for upcoming fixtures.
Montreal, on the other hand, have struggled since the World Cup break, managing only a single goal in three outings and slipping to a 0‑2‑1 record in that span. The lack of offensive firepower has raised questions about the club’s ability to compete consistently in the latter half of the season.