Inter Miami celebrated their first MLS victory at Nu Stadium as Lionel Messi starred in a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers.

Miami had drawn three and lost one of their first four games at their new home, but Messi flipped the script on Sunday. 

He capped off a brilliant team move in the 31st minute, slotting home to put Miami ahead.

By that stage, Miami had already seen Luis Suarez have a goal disallowed for offside, but the Herons put themselves in complete control heading into half-time.

Messi was once again integral. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played a neat one-two with Suarez before drilling a sumptuous pass across the face of goal, from which German Berterame finished.

Miami rounded out the first half having created chances worth 2.45 expected goals to Portland's 0.48 xG, and Phil Neville's team were unable to change course after the break.

Portland did, at least, keep a second-half shutout, though they were indebted to goalkeeper James Pantemis, who denied Messi a spectacular second as he pulled off a sensational save to keep out the Argentine's late free-kick.

Data Debrief: Messi magic christens Nu Stadium

Messi has now recorded multiple goal involvements in three straight games, having registered three in Miami's previous two matches before this contest.

The 38-year-old had a game-leading nine shots, five more than any other player, while his tally of four attempts on target matched Portland's entire total as a team.

This victory snapped a career-worst run for Messi when it came to home results, with the Barcelona great having never gone four league matches without a victory on home soil.