Inter Miami’s $15M Bid for German Berterame: Messi’s Endorsement Ignites Liga MX Tug-of-War

The football world is abuzz with reports that Inter Miami has launched a significant $15 million bid to acquire Liga MX standout German Berterame, a move reportedly driven by none other than global superstar Lionel Messi. As the Herons gear up for the 2026 season, fresh off a successful 2025 campaign, their focus has seemingly shifted to fortifying their attacking prowess, with Berterame emerging as their prime target.

According to reports from Marca and Sportskeeda, Inter Miami’s offer for the 27-year-old forward from CF Monterrey signifies a serious intent to secure a long-term solution upfront. This pursuit gains an extra layer of intrigue with the revelation that Messi himself endorsed Berterame, encouraging the club’s management to push for the transfer. For Inter Miami, securing Berterame would not only inject vital attacking flair but also align with the club’s vision of building a formidable squad around its star player.

Messi’s Influence and Miami’s Strategic Play

Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami extends far beyond his mesmerizing performances on the pitch; his influence in player recruitment has become an undeniable force. His personal recommendation for Berterame underscores the Argentine maestro’s commitment to shaping a championship-contending team. The opportunity to play alongside Messi is, by many accounts, a career-defining prospect for any player, and it could prove to be the decisive factor in Berterame’s decision-making process.

Inter Miami’s roster underwent significant changes heading into the 2026 season. While the club has successfully strengthened its defense and midfield with additions like Sergio Reguilon, Facundo Mura, Micael, Dayne St. Clair, and David Ayala, the attacking department has seen some flux. The potential return of Tadeo Allende, a ‘sidekick’ to Messi during his fine loan spell, remains uncertain, and Ecuadorian youngster Allen Obando failed to impress during his time in Florida, leading to a decision against a permanent transfer or another loan. Furthermore, defender Noah Allen, valued at around $2 million and under contract until 2028, has been linked with a move away from the MLS, with European giants like Panathinaikos and Gent reportedly interested. These movements highlight Inter Miami’s strategic need for a proven goal-scorer and creative force in attack, making Berterame’s acquisition particularly crucial.

Monterrey’s Stance: Valuing a Star Asset

While Inter Miami’s $15 million offer has sent ripples through the Liga MX market, CF Monterrey, known as Rayados, is not prepared to let their star forward go easily. Sources close to the club, as reported by SoyFútbol, indicate that Monterrey’s management views the proposed amount as ‘below the player’s true value.’ For a club competing fiercely both domestically and internationally, selling a key player like Berterame for less than his worth would mean weakening a crucial area of the team.

Berterame has been a consistent and indispensable performer for Monterrey. In the 2025-26 season alone, he netted 18 goals and provided four assists across 33 appearances in all competitions. Since joining Rayados in 2022, he has amassed an impressive record of 67 goals and 15 assists in 152 games. His versatility, movement inside the box, and clinical finishing ability have made him one of Liga MX’s most reliable attackers, often delivering in high-pressure matches. This robust performance history forms the bedrock of Monterrey’s firm valuation, and they are reportedly weighing the financial benefits of a sale against the significant challenge of replacing his production and leadership.

Berterame’s Ambition: A World Cup Dream and New Horizons

For German Berterame, this potential transfer presents a pivotal moment in his career. Originally an Argentina U-17 international, he has since completed the naturalization process, making him eligible to represent the Mexican national team. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, playing alongside Lionel Messi in the MLS could significantly boost his profile and aid his cause in securing a spot for El Tri. The prospect of a fresh challenge in a growing league like the MLS, coupled with the immense attention that comes with playing alongside a legend, could be highly appealing.

Berterame’s journey through Mexican football began with Atletico San Luis in 2019, where he scored 31 goals in 93 games and earned the Golden Boot for the 2021 Apertura tournament before moving to Rayados. His proven ability to adapt and excel in different environments speaks volumes about his potential impact in Major League Soccer. It is worth noting that other MLS teams, including FC Cincinnati, had previously expressed interest in Berterame, attempting to trigger his release clause, but failed to finalize a deal, underscoring the high demand for his talents.

The outcome of this high-stakes negotiation could ultimately hinge on the player’s desire. In Liga MX, it’s a recognized dynamic that a player’s firm expression of intent to move can often make negotiations more flexible. As talks continue, no official announcement has been made, but the tug-of-war between Inter Miami and Monterrey promises to keep the international transfer market buzzing in the coming days.

This pursuit of German Berterame by Inter Miami, heavily influenced by Lionel Messi, represents more than just a player transfer; it’s a strategic declaration of intent. For Inter Miami, it signifies a determined effort to consolidate their attacking force and establish long-term dominance in the MLS, leveraging the undeniable allure of Messi to attract top talent. For Berterame, it offers a potentially career-defining move, aligning his personal ambitions for the 2026 World Cup with the unique opportunity to play alongside one of football’s greatest, while for Monterrey, it tests their resolve to retain a vital asset against the financial pull of a burgeoning league.