Miami: Lionel Messi starred with a goal and an assist as Inter Miami CF secured their first win at the new Nu Stadium with a 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

Messi opened the scoring in the 31st minute with his 13th goal of the season after combining with Luis Suarez and Telasco Segovia before calmly finishing past Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis.

Inter Miami doubled the lead before halftime through German Berterame after Messi dribbled past two defenders and delivered a precise pass into the box.

The victory marked Inter Miami’s first triumph at the new 26,000-seat Nu Stadium after previously recording three draws and one defeat at the venue.

Portland created the first major chance of the game in the 11th minute, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair denied Cole Bassett with a sharp save from the edge of the area.

The match also marked the first meeting between the two sides since Portland coach Phil Neville was dismissed as Inter Miami coach in 2023, shortly before Messi joined the club.

Sunday’s game was also Inter Miami’s first since the club confirmed that forward Tadeo Allende had undergone successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. No timeline has been provided for his return.