Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest soccer star in history, both for his exploits on the pitch and his influence off it. And he has reportedly leveraged his reputation to persuade a forward to join Inter Miami rather than a Premier League team.
So, what is the identity of the Herons-linked player and the club in the English top-flight?
Lionel Messi Proves Key to Inter Miami’s Transfer Plans
According to Plano Deportivo, Monterrey star German Berterame is prepared to join Messi’s side in the January transfer window. He has opted to snub Wolverhampton Wanderers after receiving a direct call over a potential move from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Berterame, who is believed to have considered Messi’s call a decisive factor, could soon join Inter Miami, as formal negotiations are underway. His transfer fee has been set at close to $15 million, with Monterrey reportedly expected to receive just 70% of the sum. Meanwhile, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has confirmed that his team has made a serious offer to sign Berterame, after lauding the former San Lorenzo attacker.
“German Berterame is a great player. We faced him (during a 3-1 loss to Monterrey) in the CONCACAF Champions Cup a couple of years ago. We aspire to have a top-tier squad. This morning, I confirmed that there is an offer from Inter Miami. We will see how this develops over the next 24 to 36 hours,” Mas recently said.
Should Berterame secure a permanent move to Messi’s side, he could prove to be a brilliant signing for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club. He would likely start over Luis Suarez, who recently turned 38, in a number nine role and combine with Messi in the final third.
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However, Fox Sports Mexico pundit Paul Aguilar has warned the Monterrey attacker against moving to the Javier Mascherano-coached outfit, which won the MLS Cup last month. “If I had to decide that, I would stay with (Monterrey), and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I would go to another team. For me, going to MLS is a step back, even though it is a league that has improved. I would stay with (Monterrey),” Aguilar recently claimed.
The Argentina-born Mexico international, whose current deal will expire in December 2027, has popped up as a top striker in the Liga MX over the past few years. The 27-year-old has scored 68 goals and laid out 15 assists in 153 total games for Monterrey so far.
