Inter Miami CF has signed Mexico national team forward Germán Berterame from Liga MX club Monterrey. The Argentine-born player joins Lionel Messi and the defending MLS Cup champions as a Designated Player on a contract extending through 2029, including a club option for 2030. The team activated Berterame’s $15 million release clause to finalize the transfer.
Berterame’s Farewell to Monterrey
Berterame expressed gratitude toward his former club in a video shared on Monterrey’s social media. “I’m leaving with a clear conscience, knowing I always gave my all for this club, and I hope I can return further down the road,” he stated. Reflecting on the move, he added, “This opportunity is all new; it’s a unique and fresh experience at the same time. It was unexpected, but I think it’s going to be a beautiful experience.”
He shared an anecdote from his contract renewal with Monterrey’s sporting director Héctor Lara: “When I renewed my contract, I told him, ‘I’m not leaving unless something really eye-catching comes along.’ I was obviously talking about teams from Europe. And I also said, ‘Unless, obviously, Messi comes and takes me with him.’ So that anecdote stuck.”
Career Highlights and International Path
Berterame, who gained Mexican citizenship in 2024, began his professional career in Argentina’s Primera División with San Lorenzo and Patronato. He moved to Liga MX in 2019 with Atlético San Luis, where he netted 31 goals across 93 appearances in all competitions and claimed the Golden Boot for the 2021 Apertura season.
His standout performances in Liga MX led to a call-up for the Mexican national team. Having previously played for Argentina’s youth squads but never the senior team, Berterame qualified for El Tricolor without needing a FIFA one-time switch. He recently delivered the decisive goal for Mexico in a World Cup qualifying friendly against Bolivia.
Previous MLS Interest
Several MLS clubs showed interest in Berterame prior to this deal. FC Cincinnati explored activating an earlier release clause, but negotiations ultimately fell through, paving the way for Inter Miami to secure the forward.
