Lionel Messi hits form as Inter Miami break stadium curse
The Argentina captain is on a hot streak as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
Lionel Messi fired Inter Miami to a 2-0 win over Portland Timbers on Sunday night, putting in one of his best performances of 2026 as the World Cup draws close. The Herons finally have a first win at Nu Stadium, coming at the fifth attempt.
The Miami captain provided a goal and an assist in the Herons’ landmark home win, playing the full 90 minutes against a hard-working Portland team. Messi’s assist for Miami’s second goal was the moment of the night, dancing through the Timbers defense before sliding the ball across for German Berterame to finish.
Messi has found real form in the last month, scoring and assisting in each of Miami’s last four games. That streak takes the 38-year-old to 12 goals and five assists in 13 MLS games this year. He seemed to take particular delight in Sunday’s win, rousing the home crowd in the final minutes as supporters cheered the team on to victory.
Hosts break Nu Stadium curse
Inter Miami had to wait until their fifth MLS game in their new home before finally picking up the three points. A run of three draws and an embarrassing 4-3 loss to neighbors Orlando City was a disappointing start to life at Nu Stadium.
Now that the Herons have finally earned a victory at the new venue, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be hoping that the team can follow it up with another win against struggling Philadelphia Union on Sunday, May 24. The Philadelphia game will be Miami’s final fixture before a two-month break for the 2026 World Cup.
Messi has remained tight-lipped on his plans for the 2026 World Cup but is widely-expected to play a key part for Argentina as they look to defend their crown. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has used the veteran superstar whenever he is available and he will be hoping to rely on some Messi magic again this summer.
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