Lionel Messi was caught on camera making reprimanding gestures towards Inter Miami fans after the most ardent supporters staged a silent protest during the 2-0 win over Portland Timbers in MLS.
The Argentine star was seen reacting from the field to the stands, on an evening that was supposed to be festive for the club's first victory at the "Nu Stadium", but which was accompanied by tension between players and fans.
Inter Miami finally secured their first win in their new home on Sunday night, defeating Portland 2-0. However, the success was overshadowed by the apparent discontent of their most dedicated fans. “La Familia,” the group that unites the club’s core supporters, remained silent for the first 85 minutes of the match. The stands, usually filled with drums, flags and chants, were much quieter this time.
According to reports, the fans are unhappy with what they see as a lack of "respect" from the players. Representatives of the group claim that after the first four matches at the new stadium, the players have ignored the stands and gone straight to the locker rooms.
“The players have shown no respect for La Familia. They haven’t come to our stands after the games, even though some of us come as early as 11:00 a.m. to set up the atmosphere, the fan space and the flags inside the stadium,” said JC Aviles of the Southern Legion, according to the Miami Herald. “We sing with all our hearts for more than 90 minutes. The only player who came to greet us was Noah Allen, while the others go straight to the locker room. This is not okay!”
NO LE GUSTÓ NADA AL CAPITÁN 👀
- TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) May 18, 2026
The reaction of LIONEL MESSI when part of the hinchada de Inter Miami sang pidiendo apoyo to the team.
👉 Inter Miami defeated Portland Timbers 2-0 and Messi accumulated a goal and an assist. pic.twitter.com/uda8D95ZOE
The tension reached its peak in the 85th minute, when the fans broke the silence with a clear message. A section of the stands began to chant in Spanish: “Players, greet your fans, respect your people, who ask for nothing more from you!” The request was not well received by Messi, who appeared to make a disapproving gesture towards the stands.
After the match, reactions from players and staff were mixed. German Berterame, who scored the second goal after Messi's opener, admitted he understood the fans.
"Of course, it was surprising, but they are right in a way, because they deserve to be appreciated," Berterame said. "The important thing is to stay united, on the same side. Today we won after a long time and this brings happiness to them too."
Right-back Facundo Mura was more diplomatic.
"We as players are calm and united. We absolutely appreciate everything: the technical staff, everyone at the club who gives us what we need and the fans, who always support us. Today was a victory that we all deserved and I think we have to stick together. We are very grateful to them, they are part of us and we are all a family," he said.
Meanwhile, interim coach Guillermo Hoyos avoided getting involved in the controversy.
"Inter Miami is a great club because of the players who have been champions and have won many things. The fans put on their show, but I have no comment on that," Hoyos said.
The win was a crucial one for Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference, as the team moved up to second place with 28 points, just two behind leaders Nashville. Speaking about the players' sacrifices after a busy schedule, Hoyos stressed that the team had given their all.
"The players gave everything, made a great sacrifice because they were tired after a very difficult week of traveling. Congratulations to everyone who is part of our daily work. We are very happy for the victory and for the fact that we continue to grow, step by step", he concluded. /GazetaExpress/
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