Not Messi or De Paul: the star that stole the spotlight in Baltimore

In just his third appearance operating as a supporting No. 9 for Inter Miami, Germán Berterame walked away with an accolade usually reserved for Lionel Messi after an incisive display against DC United in the game played in Baltimore.

Statistical platforms that rated the pink-clad lineup – including Sofascore and FotMob – placed the spotlight mainly on the players who made the scoreboard: Lionel Andrés Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. Even defenders such as Yannick Bright and Falcón earned strong marks. Yet a closer look reveals the influence of the former Monterrey striker, whose work off the ball helped shape the outcome.

The spark that opened the game

Inter Miami’s first half at M&T Bank Stadium resembled a whirlwind. The opening move that ended with De Paul’s spectacular goal began with Berterame winning the ball, holding it long enough to find Telasco Segovia in space before the Venezuelan set up the Argentine midfielder.

But Berterame’s impact stretched beyond the box score. His two shots and modest 0.15 expected goals (xG) – plus 0.11 expected goals on target – barely tell the story.

When the Florida side’s rhythm dipped, the Mexican forward dropped deeper and contributed four defensive duels that helped steady the team. It proved vital against a DC United side that finished with 59% possession compared with Inter Miami’s 41%.

Other metrics underline the breadth of his performance:

– Expected assists (xA): 0.31

– Total progression: 22.8 meters (74.8 feet)

– Progressive distance with the ball: 24.6 meters (80.7 feet)

– Longest progressive carry: 21.2 meters (69.5 feet)

Expectations rising in Miami’s attack

Berterame ultimately claimed the Icon of the Match award for creating the moment that allowed De Paul to ignite the attack. It came only days after another pivotal contribution in Miami’s comeback win over Orlando.

In that game, the No. 19 initiated the move that led to Messi receiving the ball before the Argentine set up Segovia for the dramatic 3–2 winner.

In short, his influence has exceeded that of teammates such as Allende, who has struggled since returning to Miami to impose himself through possession or incisive passing.

Inter Miami may be the reigning MLS Cup champion, but the team has rarely been built to serve a traditional No. 9. What Berterame offers instead is relentless pressure – something Luis Suárez has used far less frequently in recent seasons.

For now, that work rate has earned the trust of head coach Javier “Jefecito” Mascherano, and it has begun to reshape the expectations surrounding the former Monterrey striker’s role in Miami.

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