Casemiro shines on Inter Miami debut as Beckham’s big signing makes instant impact

News

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Casemiro impressed on his Inter Miami debut as Lionel Messi sat out the MLS fixture with CF Montreal on Saturday.

In a match marred by a nasty head injury to Mexico international German Berterame, who coach Guillermo Hoyos assured is “OK and conscious”, Casemiro gave fans of David Beckham’s franchise a taste of what’s to come from him.

The former Manchester United midfielder finished the Premier League season in excellent form and continued that level into his first match with the Herons, despite Inter Miami facing an MLS probe into the legality of the transfer.

Current ETV

Casemiro

DM, M (C)

Inter Miami

Casemiro

DM, M (C)

Inter Miami

€5.7M

ETV Range

€4.9M - €6.6M

View full profile

Casemiro impressed on Inter Miami debut

Casemiro started in the midfield in a 4-4-2 formation and played what was primarily a disruptive role in the heart of the field.

The 34-year-old won a game-high six possessions and ranked third for ball recoveries among all players.

But as an attacking force, he was also highly active. His 76 touches were ranked joint third among all players while he finished second in both passes completed and final-third passes completed.

It was therefore a strong introduction to MLS football for the midfielder, even if the performance of his partner Telasco Segovia was more influential. The 23-year-old Venezuelan is, however, coming off a summer in which he has been rested for six weeks due to his country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, it was Luis Suarez who ultimately proved the difference maker as he scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot with nine minutes left.

When will Messi be back?

Casemiro will eventually hook up with Messi for Inter Miami, but it could be several weeks before the pair play together as the Argentina star remains on leave following his county’s run to the final of the World Cup.

Messi thrust himself into Ballon d’Or contention with a stellar performance in the tournament, though came up just short in terms of the ultimate prize but also with individual awards as he was beaten to the Golden Ball by Spain’s Rodri and the Golden Boot by France’s Kylian Mbappe.

He is currently back in Rosario to recover and will not take part in the MLS All-Star game in 29 July.

Instead, Messi’s return for Inter Miami is forecast to take place at the beginning of August.

FIFPro recommends a period of 28 days before he returns to action with his club side following the World Cup, meaning that 16 August is the date he will be available to play from if these guidelines are strictly followed.

This would mean that Messi will miss the forthcoming MLS game with Columbus as well as the Leagues Cup group stage plus a match against Nashville, which is scheduled for 15 August.

However, Casemiro’s Inter Miami debut came just 20 days after Brazil’s World Cup exit, suggesting that the Vice City side could well bring their ace back before then.