Before this match, Inter Miami had played 5 games at their new home stadium, NU, without a single victory, recording 4 draws and one loss. Despite home crowd support, they faced a difficult start, almost conceding an early goal when goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made a full-stretch save to deny Cole Bassett in the 14th minute.

The tide turned when Messi made his mark. In the 31st minute, the 39-year-old forward passed from midfield to Luis Suarez, who then relayed the ball into the penalty area for Telasco Segovia. Segovia then executed a backheel pass, setting up Messi to run in and slot the ball into the Portland Timbers' net.

This marked Messi's 5th goal in his last 4 matches. It also increased his career tally to 910 official goals, compared to Cristiano Ronaldo's 971.

Messi (right) dribbles the ball during Inter Miami's 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers in matchday 14 of MLS on the evening of 17/5 at NU stadium. Photo: AP

In the 42nd minute, Messi showcased his brilliance in another way. He received the ball from Suarez outside the penalty area, then embarked on a solo run past four Portland Timbers defenders before delivering a precise pass to German Berterame, who tapped it in to secure the 2-0 victory.

This assist saw Messi break his own career record, reaching 412 assists, 8 more than the late legendary player Ferren Puskas. Across all levels and competitions, the Argentine superstar has accumulated a total of 1,322 goals and assists in 1,154 matches, while Ronaldo has achieved 1,232 goals and assists in 1,322 matches.

On average, Messi scores every 104 minutes and contributes to a goal (either by scoring or assisting) every 72 minutes. Ronaldo's respective figures are 111 and 88 minutes.

Following the victory against Portland Timbers, Inter Miami ascended to the top of the MLS 2026 Eastern Conference standings with 28 points from 14 matches. Nashville ranks second with 27 points, having played 13 matches.

Inter Miami are the defending MLS champions. Last season, Messi and his teammates finished third in the Eastern Conference but went on to win the playoff final against Vancouver Whitecaps with a 3-1 score.

Team lineups:

Inter Miami (4-3-3): St. Clair; Lujan, Micael, Reguilon, Fray (Mura 45'); De Paul, Yannick Bright (Ayala 82'), Segovia; Messi, Suarez (Pinter 66'), Berterame (Plambeck 83').

Portland Timbers (4-2-3-1): Pantemis; Bye, Surman, Miller (Aravena 67'), Fory; Chara (Ortiz 46'), Da Costa (Smith 74'); Bassett, Velde, Antony (Mosquera 86'); Kelsy (Guerra 86').

Thanh Quy