NU Stadium- Inter Miami CF shut out the Portland Timbers by a score of 2-0 for their first-ever win in Miami. Lionel Messi stole the show once again with a scintillating goal and an extraordinary assist to Germán Berterame.
Luis Suárez sent Telasco Segovia a pass, which Segovia cheekily backheeled to an onrushing Lionel Messi, who blasted a left-footed rocket into the back corner of the Portland Timbers’ net, giving Miami a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute.
Suarez➡️ Segovia➡️#Messi 🔥 #InterMiamiCF leads 1-0..#MLS #Lemoncitylive pic.twitter.com/OsXCQSUCbl
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) May 18, 2026
The GOAT then put on a dazzling dribbling display, taking on four Portland Timbers defenders before delivering a perfect pass to Germán Berterame, who calmly finished to seal the 2-0 scoreline. The remainder of the match was controlled by the Herons, with only brief moments of pressure from Portland.
Lionel #Messi doing #GOAT things.. The dribble & the dish for Berterame to give #InterMiamiCF the 2-0 lead..#MLS #Lemoncitylive pic.twitter.com/CuK104H2bN
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) May 18, 2026
Drama In Miami
Inter Miami CF’s first win at NU Stadium should have been the major story from Sunday’s 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers and against their former coach, Phil Neville. Instead, an 85-minute silent boycott by “La Familia” and a defiant chant directed at the players drew all the attention.
The main supporters’ groups that make up “La Familia” came together to express their frustration with the lack of player acknowledgment of the fanbase after matches. After the 85th minute, the group began chanting,
Players, respect the fans, salute your people who don’t ask for anything
The chant was sung to the rhythm and tune of a famous Argentine chant, sung when fans are upset with their team’s effort and lack of results. The choice of song might have caused discord or confusion, as Lionel Messi was visibly irritated when he heard the chants.
Jugadores… a ver si ponen 🍳's 😳
¿Se imaginan cantar eso tras un golazo de Messi?
Spoiler: Leo escucha TODO.👀
🎥: @fpetrocelli pic.twitter.com/fF6TpdoUse
— AS USA Latino (@US_diarioas) May 18, 2026
Reactions on social media have been divided, with some agreeing with the actions of the supporters’ groups and others denouncing them as a lack of respect for Lionel Messi and the squad. Those against the fans’ chants feel that the players do not need to go over and greet the fans, and that they do their jobs when they go out and give 100% on the pitch. Those in favor believe that the fans are also owed some respect and acknowledgement.
Too much misinformation is swirling around the supporters group protest and the Jugadores chant on socials and media outlets today. I had to set the record straight on today’s episode. The events leading to the protest, the facts, and the original plan. https://t.co/CDuL5912Fd pic.twitter.com/GUFYPBRh6w
— Messi and Co. (@MessiandCo) May 19, 2026
Sunday night was the boiling point, and the supporters feel that they have been slighted by the players and that they feel “invisible.”
Comunicado Oficial de la Familia pic.twitter.com/ILmp3Day3k
— Southern Legion (@Southern_Legion) May 19, 2026
Not everyone agrees or even understands the why behind the protest, with even fans from other teams chiming in on the Miami mess.
Me watching Inter Miami fans complain and feel "offended", even though they just won the league and are in 2nd place in the East, while being an FC Dallas fan who hasn't seen their team win a trophy in 10 years: https://t.co/pupfINyB5B pic.twitter.com/s7smZ17x6a
— Emmanuel with 2 M's, not 1 M (@Emmanuelwith2Ms) May 18, 2026
A glorious night for Messi and for Miami was tarnished by some public strife that could have been handled privately. Whatever side you’re on in this debate, we could probably agree that there should have been a sit-down between supporters and team leaders to hash this out away from the cameras and the public eye. Family conflict should be handled in-house.
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