Lionel Messi scored a goal and added an assist in Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers on Sunday to hand his team its first victory at its new home, NU Stadium, at the fifth attempt.
In the penultimate game before joining Argentina’s training camp for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Messi reached 105 goal contributions in his MLS career.
Messi led the most awaited night
It was a long-awaited victory for Inter Miami, which had posted three draws and a loss in its first four games at NU Stadium:
2-2 against Austin, 2-2 against New York Red Bulls, 1-1 against New England Revolution and a 4-3 derby loss to Orlando City.
If the score was not higher, it was to the credit of Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis.
He made at least four saves of merit, including a great intervention in stoppage time against a direct free kick by Messi.
Lionel Messi came close to scoring the first goal after just 180 seconds, when he finished off a right-footed cross from Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, but Pantemis denied him and Inter Miami.
It was not until the half-hour mark when, after two more great saves from Suarez and Ian Fray, Inter Miami broke the deadlock.
He put on a recital in Miami
Messi reached 105 goal contributions
QuéOnnda.com
Messi did it after a great back-heel assist inside the box from Venezuelan Telasco Segovia to make it 1-0.
It was a psychological blow for the Timbers, who were 2-0 up 10 minutes later.
The goal was scored by Mexican-born Argentine Germán Berterame after a spectacular slalom by Leo Messi, who gave him the assist.
Inter Miami will now have a week off before facing the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, who are bottom of the East.
It will be the pink team’s last match before the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup.
With information from EFE
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