“Messi in conflict with Inter Miami fans despite the victory.”

Lionel Messi was at the center of an unexpected controversy during the match in which Inter Miami defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0, a game marked by underlying tension between the players and the team’s ultras. Despite the victory, the atmosphere at the new Nu Stadium was dominated by silence and protest from the fans, who contested the lack of respect and recognition from the athletes.

Messi once again shone on the field, opening the scoring in the 31st minute with his 12th goal in MLS this season. Just before halftime, the Argentine star provided a masterful assist for German Berterame to extend Miami’s lead, finally securing the team’s first victory in their new home. With this win, Inter Miami has recorded eight victories in 14 matches and remains just two points behind leaders Nashville in the Eastern Conference.

However, the real drama unfolded off the pitch. The group of ultras fans of Inter Miami, known as La Familia, decided to maintain absolute silence for 85 minutes of the match as a clear form of protest against the players’ lack of recognition. For much of the game, there were no chants, no drumbeats, and no waving of flags, essential elements of the traditional game atmosphere.

JC Aviles, a representative of Southern Legion, one of the team’s support groups, revealed to the Miami Herald the reason for the protest: “The players do not show respect to La Familia, they do not come to our section after the games, even when we start setting everything up at 11 in the morning, with the flags and the atmosphere prepared inside the stadium. We sing with all our passion for over 90 minutes. The only one who came to greet us was Noah Allen; the others go straight to the locker rooms. It’s just not fair!”

When the chants finally returned in the last five minutes, one of them in Spanish made the discontent clear: “Players, greet your fans, acknowledge your people, who ask for nothing more!” Messi, visibly uncomfortable, stood in the midfield with his hands on his hips, listening to the provocation. He then approached the north stand and made a gesture with his hand that many interpreted as a sign of disdain.

The episode culminated in an even more controversial gesture at the final whistle. While some players went to the north stand to thank the supporters, Messi and other team leaders, such as Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, ignored the ultras and applauded the other stands, leaving the stadium in silence.

Trying to calm the situation, right-back Facunda Mura stated after the game: “We are all at peace and united. We thank everyone, from the coaching staff to everyone at the club who provide us with what we need, and of course, to the fans who always support us. This victory was deserved, and we must continue together. They are part of us; we are a family.”

For his part, coach Guillermo Hoyos took a more discreet stance regarding the controversy: “Inter Miami is a great club because of the players who have been champions and won many titles. The public made their demonstration, but I have no opinion on that.”

This cold war between Messi and the ultras of Inter Miami promises to prolong and could have profound impacts on the relationship between the team and its supporters, at a time when the club is struggling for affirmation in MLS. The Argentine star is being challenged not only on the field but also off it, in a battle that could define the future of his legacy in the United States.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.