Messi scores, assists as Inter Miami beat Portland 2-0 in Nu Stadium debut win
Synopsis
Messi's 12th MLS goal and a pinpoint assist ended Inter Miami's winless run at Nu Stadium, while simultaneously thrusting him into the Golden Boot conversation — just one behind the leader. With the World Cup looming as his likely farewell, every Messi performance now carries the weight of a countdown.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi scored his 12th MLS goal and recorded his 6th assist in Inter Miami's 2-0 win over Portland Timbers on 18 May .
The victory was Miami's first at Nu Stadium , ending a 0-3-1 home record at the new venue.
German Berterame scored the second goal; goalkeeper Dayne St.
Clair made four saves for Miami's third clean sheet of the season.
Messi is now tied with Petar Musa and one goal behind Hugo Cuypers in the MLS Golden Boot race.
The Portland Timbers suffered their fourth 2-0 road defeat of the season despite taking 16 shots .
Lionel Messi delivered another commanding performance in Major League Soccer on Sunday, 18 May, scoring his 12th goal of the season and setting up a second as Inter Miami CF defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 at Nu Stadium — the club's first victory at their new home ground since it opened in April.
Key Developments
German Berterame scored Miami's second goal during a dominant display that saw the hosts outshoot Portland 22-16 and lead 9-4 in shots on target. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made four saves to secure Miami's third clean sheet of the season — their first since a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake in April. The result ended Miami's frustrating 0-3-1 record at Nu Stadium heading into the fixture.
How the Goals Came
Messi threatened early, forcing goalkeeper James Pantemis into a save in the fourth minute before breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute. He initiated the move from outside the penalty area, passing to Luis Suárez before making a run into the box. Suárez combined with Telasco Segovia, whose backheel pass set Messi up for a composed finish past Pantemis.
Eleven minutes later, Messi produced a moment that drew comparisons to his finest years at FC Barcelona. Controlling a cross from Rodrigo de Paul with his chest, he exchanged passes with Suárez, manoeuvred through a cluster of defenders, and played a precise through ball to Berterame, who finished from close range.
MLS Golden Boot Race
The 38-year-old Argentine is now tied with Petar Musa and trails Hugo Cuypers by just one goal in the MLS Golden Boot standings. Notably, Messi has contributed five goals and all six of his assists across his last four matches, a run of form that underlines his growing influence as the MLS season intensifies.
Portland's Road Woes Continue
For the Portland Timbers, Sunday's result extended a difficult run away from home — their fourth 2-0 road defeat of the season and their third loss in five away matches. Despite registering 16 shots, the Timbers were unable to trouble St. Clair, who kept a comfortable clean sheet throughout.
What's Next
With the FIFA World Cup later this year widely expected to be Messi's final international tournament, his current form will only sharpen the spotlight on Inter Miami's campaign. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner appears to be building toward a decisive stretch of the MLS season.
Point of View
And it arrives precisely when MLS needs a marquee story ahead of a World Cup year. The more revealing number, however, is Nu Stadium's 0-3-1 record before Sunday: Miami's project has struggled to convert home advantage into results, and one win does not fix that structural problem. Whether Messi's individual brilliance can carry a team with evident defensive fragility through a full MLS campaign is the real question the season will answer.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Inter Miami and Portland Timbers on 18 May?
Inter Miami CF defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 on 18 May at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi and German Berterame scored the goals.
How many goals and assists does Messi have in MLS this season?
Messi has scored 12 goals and recorded 6 assists in MLS this season as of 18 May. He has contributed five goals and all six assists across his last four matches.
Where does Messi stand in the MLS Golden Boot race?
Messi is tied with Petar Musa and trails Hugo Cuypers by just one goal in the MLS Golden Boot standings following his 12th goal of the season.
What is Nu Stadium and why was this win significant?
Nu Stadium is Inter Miami CF's new home ground, which officially opened in April 2025. Sunday's result was the club's first victory at the venue, ending a winless 0-3-1 start there.
How did Portland Timbers perform in the match?
Portland took 16 shots but were outshot 22-16 and trailed 9-4 in shots on target, suffering their fourth 2-0 road defeat of the season and their third loss in five away matches.
