Inter Miami Secures New Signing and Preseason Win Amid Injury Setback
MIAMI, 1 February 2026 – Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have been active in the final stages of their preseason build-up, securing a major signing and a morale-boosting friendly victory, but have also been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign.
Berterame Joins Messi’s Miami
Inter Miami have officially completed the signing of Mexican international forward Germán Berterame from Liga MX side Monterrey. The deal, reportedly worth around €12.6 million ($15 million), represents a significant investment as the club seeks to strengthen its attacking options around Lionel Messi. The move is seen as a strategic addition to support the veteran strike partnership of Messi and Luis Suárez.
Key Facts & Recent Developments
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| New Signing | Germán Berterame (FW) joins from CF Monterrey for ~€12.6m. |
| Preseason Result | Inter Miami beat Colombian side Atlético Nacional 2-1 in a friendly on 31 January 2026. Luis Suárez scored. |
| Significant Injury | Defender Sergio Reguilón suffered a significant right knee injury on 28 January, casting doubt on his start to the MLS season. |
| Messi’s Status | The captain played in the friendly against Atlético Nacional and is preparing to defend the MLS Cup title. |
Preseason Campaign and Squad News
The victory in Medellín marked Inter Miami’s first win of the 2026 calendar year, coming via a dramatic late own goal. The match also served as a debut for new signing Berterame. However, the preseason has been marred by the confirmed injury to Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilón, who sustained a knee sprain in an earlier friendly against Alianza Lima. His indefinite absence is considered a “brutal blow” for the squad’s defensive depth as the season opener approaches.
Historical Context and Legacy
Separately, recent commentary from former teammate Ángel Di María has revisited the enduring debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Di María highlighting distinct qualities of each legend. Meanwhile, Messi’s historic achievements, including a unique “hat-trick” of major titles with both club and country, continue to be celebrated. It is worth noting that specific statistical data, such as his goal involvement in the 2024 Copa América, relates to past tournaments and not current form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Inter Miami just sign?
Inter Miami have signed Mexican international forward Germán Berterame from Monterrey for a fee reported to be approximately €12.6 million.
Is Lionel Messi injured?
No. Messi played in the recent friendly against Atlético Nacional and is fit. The significant injury is to defender Sergio Reguilón, who has a knee problem.
When was Inter Miami’s last match?
They played a preseason friendly against Atlético Nacional in Colombia on 31 January 2026, winning 2-1.
What is the latest on Sergio Reguilón?
Inter Miami confirmed on 28 January 2026 that Reguilón has a significant injury to his right knee. His return date is currently unknown, putting his availability for the start of the MLS season in doubt.