Inter Miami’s Designated Player Germán Berterame has expressed how training alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo de Paul continually motivates him. Speaking about the experienced players he now shares the training ground with, Berterame highlighted Suárez in particular as someone he looks up to as an example to follow.
Leo [Messi], Rodri [de Paul], and [Luis] Suárez, I think they’re players with great hierarchy who will elevate your sporting vision and individualism, and especially Suarez since I have him as a teammate at number nine, he’s an example,
Berterame said.
Messi’s Skill Set Inspires Berterame’s Development
The forward explained that watching Messi’s career prior to joining Inter Miami already amazed him, but training with the superstar elevates his own game. Berterame praised Messi’s close ball control, composure in front of goal, and patience during match situations as qualities he strives to absorb in every session.
Obviously, I’ll take it in the best way possible. I’d already been watching so many of the matches he’s played at Barça, everywhere he’s played, and after he arrived here, I’ve also been watching him, and he never ceases to amaze me. And now that I’m working alongside him, I think I get the best out of him in every training session — his ball control, his finishing, his patience in the box. I think that’s fantastic, so I’m taking all of that away from him.
Playing with Messi Provides a Competitive Edge
Berterame described how having Messi on the field acts as a significant boost for his performance and determination. He credited the team’s recent championship victory as proof of Messi’s impact and emphasized the motivation it provides to maintain high standards and consistently improve.
It always, always helps to have him by your side. In the matches I’ve seen before coming here, he showed so much. They won the championship, which I think proves that. And I think being next to him gives you a tremendous boost, a tremendous desire to keep improving, to not let up, because he motivates you to do that, and obviously, personally, I’m extremely happy to be here.
Transition to Inter Miami and National Team Aspirations
Berterame officially joined Inter Miami as a Designated Player ahead of the 2026 MLS season, transferring from Liga MX club CF Monterrey with a contract through the 2028-29 season, including an option to extend further. When questioned about how this move might influence his chances of making Mexico’s World Cup squad, he shared the full backing he has received from national team manager Javier Aguirre.
Yes, obviously I’ve been talking with him, and he’s been very supportive. He gave me his full confidence and told me to keep maintaining this level, so that I can continue to make the national team,
Berterame explained.
Since completing his naturalization in 2024, Berterame has earned eight caps with Mexico’s national team, scoring twice.
Significance of Berterame’s Growth at Inter Miami
Berterame’s integration alongside world-class talents like Lionel Messi and others at Inter Miami presents a key opportunity for his career progression. The experience gained in training and matches is likely to sharpen his abilities and could be pivotal in securing a lasting role both at the club and on the international stage. As the MLS season unfolds, Berterame’s growth will be closely watched by supporters and analysts alike.
