Messi nets and sets up strike as Inter Miami take first Nu Stadium win 2-0

MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi found the net once and created another as Inter Miami beat the Portland Timbers 2-0 yesterday, recording the side's maiden victory at Nu Stadium.

German Berterame got the other goal for Miami, who had gone into the match with three draws and one loss at their new 26,000-seat ground.

Messi registered his 13th strike of the season in the 31st minute. Luis Suárez slipped the ball in to Telasco Segovia, whose touch laid it off for Messi to beat Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis from 12 yards.

The advantage grew in the 42nd minute when Messi took on two defenders and pulled the ball back for Berterame, who steered his finish inside the left post.

Portland threatened first in the 11th minute when Cole Bassett let fly from the edge of the box and Inter Miami keeper Dayne St. Clair parried the attempt.

The singing, cheering, flag-waving and drumming that organised supporters' group La Familia usually bring were missing for most of the night. The groups are said to be angry that players have not recognised them at the new venue and stayed quiet in protest until they resumed their chants in the 85th minute.

It was the first time the clubs had met since Phil Neville was dismissed as Inter Miami coach in 2023, shortly before Messi joined the Herons. Neville, now in charge of Portland, is a close friend of co-owner David Beckham. Speaking to reporters after the Timbers reached South Florida late last week, he said he knew Messi's move to Miami would probably bring a coaching change. Inter Miami have since had four head coaches, including two interim appointments, all from Messi's homeland Argentina.

"At the start of the (2023) season, I was under no illusions that probably when/if he came in, that I wouldn't be here, and that's totally fine," Neville said, referring to Messi. "I understand football."

The fixture was also Miami's first since the club said forward Tadeo Allende underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee "to address the discomfort he had been experiencing in recent weeks". No timeline for his comeback has been announced.