Lionel Messi’s goal and brilliant assist helped Inter Miami secure their first win at their new stadium on Sunday, as they defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0.

The 38-year-old Argentine star constantly troubled the Timbers defence throughout the match, offering a reminder of the threat he still carries ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which begins in less than a month.

Messi opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, both initiating and finishing a flowing team move for the Major League Soccer champions.

He combined with Luis Suárez, who linked up with Telasco Segovia through a precise pass. Segovia’s clever backheel set the ball back for Messi, who calmly finished into the far corner from close range.

Ten minutes later, Rodrigo De Paul drove forward down the right wing before finding Messi, who exchanged a quick one-two with Suárez.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then weaved through four defenders inside the box before using the outside of his left foot to set up German Berterame for a simple tap-in.

Messi also missed several chances to extend his tally in a slower, goalless second half, including a curling left-footed effort from outside the box that drifted just inches wide of the post.

He came close again in stoppage time with a spectacular free kick, but was denied by a brilliant save from James Pantemis, who stretched fully to tip the ball away from the top corner.

The match marked Inter Miami’s fifth home game at the newly built Nu Stadium, which was officially opened to much fanfare last month.

Until now, the 27,000-capacity stadium had only seen three frustrating draws, along with a heavy setback for Miami in which they squandered a 3-0 lead and ultimately lost 4-3 to Orlando City.

Despite those recent home struggles, the victory moves Inter Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of Nashville SC, who still have two games in hand.

The World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, begins on June 11.

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi — who lifted the trophy with Argentina at the previous tournament in Qatar — is on course to become the first player to feature in six different World Cups.