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Inter Miami CF achieved its first victory at the Nu Stadium this Sunday by defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0 in a Major League Soccer match, ending a streak of four consecutive home games without a win at the new venue.
The victory, long anticipated by fans, also marked the team’s first unbeaten barrier at home during the 2026 season, after accumulating three losses and one draw in the brand-new stadium.
Lionel Messi was the standout player of the match with one goal and one assist, extending his streak to four consecutive league games with at least two direct goal contributions.
The first goal came in the 31st minute from a collective play that started with Messi near midfield, passed through Luis Suárez, and ended with Telasco Segovia delivering a backheel pass to the captain, who finished it off against goalkeeper James Pantemis.
The assist was Segovia's sixth of the season, making him the leader in that category within the team.
Ten minutes later, Messi became the center of attention again as he faced several defenders in the small box and assisted Germán Berterame for the final 2-0.
Miami went into halftime with a comfortable lead supported by the statistics: 12 shots with five on target compared to Portland's nine attempts, of which only one was on goal.
In the second half, the home team chose to retreat and defend their lead, although they created additional chances through counterattacks.
At the end of the match, Miami totaled 20 shots, nine on target, and a total expected goals of 3.0, while Portland managed only 0.82 in that metric with 16 shots.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the crowd erupted in celebration, ending the long wait for the first victory at the stadium.
The Nu Stadium was inaugurated on April 4, 2026 with a 2-2 draw against Austin FC, a match in which Messi scored the first goal in the stadium's history, the 903rd of his professional career.
The stadium, located in Miami Freedom Park on the former Melreese golf course, has a capacity of 26,700 spectators and is named Nubank due to a sponsorship agreement announced in March 2026.
In the 2026 season, Messi has accumulated 12 goals and six assists in 13 league matches, figures that establish him as the driving force of the team.
Inter Miami is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points, two behind the leader Nashville SC, which has 27.
Messi renewed his contract with the club until 2028 in October 2025, ensuring his presence in the new stadium for the coming years.
The team's next match before the World Cup break is on Sunday against Philadelphia Union at 7 PM.
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