Messi Leads Inter Miami to 2-0 Win in First Victory at Nu Stadium

Inter Miami defeat Portland Timbers as Messi shines 

The 38-year-old scored and set up another as Miami beat Portland 2-0, going top of the East a month before the 2026 World Cup.

With the World Cup weeks away, Messi reminded everyone of his quality with a goal and assist in Miami’s 2-0 win over Portland Timbers...

Lionel Messi scored once and set up another to give Inter Miami their first victory at the new stadium on Sunday, with a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers.

The 38-year-old showed he remains a threat ahead of the World Cup, which starts in under a month, as he gave Portland’s defense problems throughout the match.

⚽ ➕ 🅰️ = #IconOfTheMatch @RoyalCaribbean 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nsy64FYNby

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 18, 2026

 

Messi opened the scoring in the 30th minute, starting and finishing a well-worked team move for the reigning MLS champions.

He laid the ball off to Luis Suárez, who played Telasco Segovia through on goal. Segovia flicked it back with a backheel into Messi’s path, and the Argentine finished first time into the far corner from close range.

Ten minutes later, Rodrigo De Paul surged down the right wing and found Messi. The two Argentines exchanged a quick one-two with Suarez to continue the attack.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then weaved through four defenders and entered the box. Using the outside of his left foot, he set up Germán Berterame for a simple tap-in.

Messi had chances to extend the lead in a quieter second half but couldn’t convert. He curled a left-footed shot from outside the box that drifted just wide of the post.

He nearly scored a stunning free kick deep into stoppage time, but James Pantemis produced a diving save to tip the ball away from the top corner.

The match was the fifth at the new Nu Stadium, which opened to much fanfare last month.

Before Sunday, the 27,000-seat arena had seen three frustrating draws and a heavy defeat to Orlando City, where Miami let a 3-0 lead slip and lost 4-3.

Even with their recent home struggles, the victory puts Inter Miami on top of the Eastern Conference. They sit one point ahead of Nashville SC, though Nashville have two games in hand.

The World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada and begins on June 11th.

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi is set to become the first player to appear in six World Cups. Messi captained Argentina to the title at the last tournament in Qatar.