In Canada, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro made his debut for Inter Miami on July 26, 2026, despite an ongoing investigation by Major League Soccer into his transfer. The match ended with Inter Miami defeating Montreal 1-0, thanks to a penalty scored by Luis Suarez in the 81st minute. The penalty was awarded after a serious collision in the box involving German Berterame and Montreal defender Efrain Morales, which resulted in Berterame being taken to the hospital. Fortunately, he was reported to be conscious and recovering after the incident.
The investigation by MLS centers around a tampering allegation against Inter Miami regarding Casemiro's transfer from Manchester United. MLS stated that it would withhold details of a settlement between Inter Miami and LA Galaxy concerning Casemiro's discovery rights until the review is complete. Under MLS rules, clubs must negotiate discovery rights with any team that previously listed a player before signing him outside the draft or free agency. The LA Galaxy had held rights to Casemiro before he chose to join Inter Miami.
Casemiro's debut was notable as Lionel Messi was rested during the match, continuing his recovery following Argentina's run to the World Cup final. The absence of Messi did not hinder Inter Miami's performance, as they secured their sixth consecutive victory in the league. Luis Suarez's penalty marked his ninth goal of the season, with six of those goals coming in the last three matches, showcasing his impressive form.
The ongoing investigation into Inter Miami's handling of Casemiro's transfer adds a layer of complexity to the club's recent successes. While the team celebrates its winning streak, the potential ramifications of the MLS inquiry loom over the club's future. The outcome of the investigation could impact the club's operations and player acquisitions moving forward, making it a critical issue for Inter Miami's management and fans alike.