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Football Insider

German Berterame Advised Against Joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami: Is It a Step Backwards?

Mexican forward German Berterame has been advised against a potential move to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami to join Lionel Messi, with discussions ongoing as the club nears a $15 million transfer deal. While the proposal is appealing to all parties involved, Berterame has been urged to stay at Monterrey and make a decision post-World Cup. The timing of Inter Miami's approach during Liga MX's winter break has sparked discussions around the player's future.

German Berterame Advised Against Joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami: Is It a Step Backwards?

German Berterame has been warned that a move to join Lionel Messi at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami would be a “step backwards”. The Mexico international forward is said to be the subject of a transfer bid from South Florida, with discussions now taking place. He has, however, been advised to remain at Monterrey and make a decision on his future after the World Cup.Various reports across North and South America have indicated that Inter Miami are prepared to trigger the $15 million (£11m) release clause in Berterame’s contract. It has been revealed that talks regarding a move are ongoing.Monterrey’s sporting director, Jose Antonio Noriega, has acknowledged the move from Miami and conceded that the proposal is appealing to all parties. He has said: “I can tell you and confirm that there has been an approach and a proposal that is interesting to Berterame.“It interests German, and it could be interesting for us. If we decide that the offer is interesting and that German leaves, we will do everything possible, and we are already working on it to replace him.”Herons co-owner Jorge Mas has also validated the reports, with the current kings of MLS eager to continue reinforcing their squad around eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. He has said: “Well, first of all, German Berterame is a great player. He’s a great player, and we’re aiming to have a great squad.“I know I confirmed this morning that there’s an offer from Inter Miami. There is an offer from Inter Miami for German Berterame, we’ll see how that develops in the next 24 to 36 hours… we’re aiming to give Javier Mascherano the tools to attack technically as he sees fit.”With Liga MX enjoying a winter break through to January 30, the timing of Inter Miami’s approach is considered to be perfect. Monterrey head coach Domenec Torrent has acknowledged a raid for one of his most prized assets, while maintaining that there is no guarantee of a deal being done.He has said: “Berterame gets offers every year. This is something the board handles. If he leaves, they would have to leave us a lot of money to sign another player. The team that wants him knows Rayados won’t make it easy… He has a price and clauses. I’m happy with him, he’s committed and I’m focused on improving the team.”Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Several other prominent voices from inside Mexican football have urged Berterame to delay any move to the United States in a World Cup year. Fellow countryman and former national team star Paul Aguilar has told La Ultima Palabra on Fox Sports: “If I had to decide that, I would stay at Rayados and after the World Cup I would go to another team. For me, going to MLS is a step backwards, even if it is a league that has improved.”Aguilar believes that Liga MX remains more competitive than MLS and remaining on home soil would give Berterame the best possible chance of earning a place in Javier Aguirre’s World Cup squad.Berterame has remained silent when it comes to his future, with the 27-year-old refusing to discuss that subject in public. He told reporters that tried to quiz him on a possible move to the States: “They won't let me talk.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe expectation is that, despite receiving advice urging him to reconsider his options, a transfer to Inter Miami will be completed at some stage in the not too distant future. The Herons remain confident that they will get their man.The MLS Cup winners have lost former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to retirement, but have seen veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez commit to a new one-year deal. They have also drafted in reinforcements at left-back and in the goalkeeping department, while talismanic club captain Messi has ended any speculation regarding his future by signing a three-year contract extension through 2028.

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The Transfer Saga: Ongoing Talks and Sporting Director's Views

Inter Miami are reportedly prepared to trigger the $15 million release clause in Berterame's contract, with Monterrey's sporting director acknowledging the interest. Despite the potential move being intriguing for all parties, there is no guarantee that a deal will be finalized.

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Insights from Co-owner and Monterrey Head Coach

Jorge Mas and Monterrey's head coach, Domenec Torrent, have confirmed the transfer offer and discussed the importance of Berterame in their respective plans. While aiming to strengthen the squad, both parties are aware of the challenges in negotiating the deal.

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Prominent Voices in Mexican Football and World Cup Considerations

Former national team star Paul Aguilar has cautioned Berterame against making a move to MLS, citing it as a potential step backward. With the World Cup on the horizon, staying in Liga MX could offer the forward a better chance of securing a spot in the national team.

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The Silent Contemplation and Transfer Speculations

Amidst the transfer speculations, Berterame has chosen to remain silent on the matter, leaving fans and pundits guessing about his next move. While advice has been given to reassess his options, Inter Miami remains optimistic about securing the forward's signature.

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Inter Miami's Squad Reinforcements and Future Prospects

Despite losing key players to retirement, Inter Miami has made strategic moves to reinforce the squad, including securing Messi's contract extension. The club's pursuit of Berterame aligns with their ambition to build a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.

Published on Jan 20, 2026