Casemiro's Inter Miami debut ended in victory as Luis Suarez's late panenka penalty secured a 1-0 success against CF Montreal on Saturday.

Having joined the Herons on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester United, Casemiro only became eligible to make his debut a few hours before kick-off at Stade Saputo, upon receiving his visa.

The Brazil international then played the full 90 minutes as Miami, who were still without Argentina's World Cup stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, extended their winning run to six straight MLS games.

Montreal should have gone in front in the fifth minute as Daniel Rios somehow turned Prince Owusu's cross wide of a gaping goal, and Owusu was involved again on the left flank when Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made a sharp save to keep out Hennadii Synchuk's near-post flick.

Miami's best effort of the first half came in the 41st minute as Telasco Segovia curled against the crossbar from the edge of the area, but it was Montreal on the front foot again at the start of the second period, with Synchuk and Owusu both passing up good chances.

The telling moment came at the other end in the 70th minute, though, as German Berterame was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Efrain Morales inside the area, with the Montreal defender penalised for his involvement. 

Following a 10-minute stoppage for Berterame to receive treatment, Suarez dinked his penalty straight down the middle before holding up the shirt of his substituted team-mate.

Miami then held firm through almost 15 minutes of second-half stoppage time, with Owusu providing their only scare as they climbed within two points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.

Winning start for Casemiro as Suarez strikes again

Casemiro's availability for this game was only confirmed at the last minute, but the 34-year-old did not miss a beat on his MLS bow as Miami's great run of form continued.

The Brazilian attempted more passes (64) than any other player on the pitch, completing 57 of those for an 89.1% passing accuracy, while only defender Micael (78) bettered his 76 touches among Miami players.

Casemiro also recovered possession a team-high seven times in a game where Miami were seriously tested.

The Herons had 20 shots to Montreal's eight, but even with Suarez's spot-kick, they lost the expected goals (xG) battle by 2.07 to 1.72.

Suarez now has six goals in his last three MLS appearances, twice as many as he managed in his first 10 outings of the season (three).