Berterame's MLS Switch Threatens World Cup Dreams as German Star Questions 2026 Prospects

Mexico national team forward Germán Berterame departed Liga MX to join Inter Miami this past January in a move that, while criticized by some, received complete backing from El Tri coach Javier Aguirre according to the player himself.

The Argentina-born attacker, who earned his first Mexico cap in 2024, said he had no doubts when the chance to team up with Lionel Messi in Miami arose. However, joining the MLS titleholders wasn't without potential consequences, though the ex-Monterrey forward remains optimistic it won't hurt his prospects for Mexico's 2026 World Cup squad.

"Absolutely, I've been in constant communication with [Aguirre]," Berterame revealed. "He's been incredibly supportive and has shown complete faith in me. As long as I maintain the standard I've been displaying, I'll keep getting called up [to Mexico camps]."

Berterame kicked off the Apertura 2025 campaign by netting twice in his first two matches before scoring the decisive goal in Mexico's January friendly against Bolivia. His Miami transfer followed shortly thereafter, though he's still searching for his inaugural official goal with the Herons despite featuring in both of their opening fixtures this season.

While the 27-year-old feels he has Aguirre's support, struggling after his MLS arrival could be catastrophic for his World Cup ambitions, particularly considering some intriguing remarks Aguirre made about MLS recently.

Javier Aguirre Throws Subtle Jab at MLS

Javier Aguirre Throws Subtle Jab at MLS

Berterame wasn't the sole El Tri prospect to change teams in January. Rising talent Obed Vargas departed Seattle Sounders in MLS for Atlético Madrid, a transfer that sparked telling commentary from Aguirre, apparently questioning the American league's standard.

"Obed Vargas departed [for Atletico Madrid]!" Aguirre stated. "I was certain he wouldn't make it [to the World Cup]. Alaska-born, spent numerous games and years with Seattle, still so young.

"Instantly, moving from Seattle to La Liga means I must focus on him. I need to call him up, because I need to evaluate him."

Aguirre's remarks faced heavy criticism given they came shortly after Berterame's MLS move. Beyond El Vasco apparently questioning MLS's level, departing Liga MX presents another disadvantage.

Liga MX players selected for El Tri's World Cup squad will join camp to begin preparation under Aguirre more than a month before the tournament begins. Berterame will no longer have this opportunity, something the coach acknowledged gave him pause for thought.

Berterame may have received Aguirre's endorsement for his Miami move, but only scoring will make him successful in the fierce competition for striker positions in Mexico's World Cup squad.

Mexico's World Cup Striker Race Continues to Intensify

Mexico's World Cup Striker Race Continues to Intensify

With approximately five months remaining until the World Cup begins, five natural center forwards are competing to earn spots in El Tri's roster. In the previous three World Cups, Mexico has typically included only three such No. 9 strikers in their squad.

Raúl Jiménez stands as the guaranteed starter and first choice in the formation when Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament's opening match.

Berterame is competing against AC Milan's Santiago Gimenez—favored to serve as Jiménez's substitute once he recovers from injury—current Liga MX Golden Boot champion Armando González and Julián Quiñones, who has been the Saudi Pro League's top striker since early this year.

Although Berterame and Gimenez possess the flexibility to operate on the flanks, it's nearly unthinkable that Aguirre would include all five forwards in his final selection.

The performance demonstrated by these striker candidates in the upcoming weeks and months will ultimately decide the outcome of this intense battle to represent El Tri during the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico's Striker Stats Snapshot Since 2026 Began

Mexico's Striker Stats Snapshot Since 2026 Began