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Inter Miami earned their first home triumph at the new Nu Stadium on Sunday night with a 2-0 win against the Portland Timbers. However, the landmark result was overshadowed by visible tension between the players and their most dedicated supporters.

La Familia, a coalition of Inter Miami supporter groups, staged a silent protest that lasted for the first 85 minutes of the game. The normally energetic stands were uncharacteristically quiet, missing the usual drums, flags, and chants that define the South Florida football culture. The protest reportedly stemmed from frustration over what fans saw as a lack of respect from the players.

According to members of the group, players had repeatedly failed to acknowledge the supporters after the first few matches at the new stadium. JC Aviles of the Southern Legion told the Miami Herald, “The players have shown no respect to La Familia, have not come to our stand after the games when we have guys come in as early as 11 a.m. to set up our tailgate and set up our flags inside the stadium. Not to mention, we sing our hearts out for 90plus minutes. The only player that came to say hi was Noah Allen and everyone else goes straight to the locker room. Not cool!”

The situation reached its peak in the 85th minute when the fans ended their silence with a direct chant in Spanish urging the players to greet their supporters. The message reportedly did not sit well with Lionel Messi, who appeared to make a disapproving gesture towards the stands.

After the final whistle, several players and staff members shared their thoughts on the incident. German Berterame, who scored the second goal after Messi’s opener, expressed understanding of the fans’ perspective. He said, “Obviously, it was surprising, but also, they have a point because they deserve that we recognize them. The important thing is that we stay united, on the same side, like today, we won after so much, and that also brings happiness to them.”

Right-back Facundo Mura adopted a conciliatory tone, remarking, “We as players are all at peace and united. We appreciate absolutely everything, the coaching staff, everyone at the club that gives us all we need, and the fans, who always support us. Today was a victory that we all deserved and I feel we need to stay together. We are super appreciative of them, they are part of us and we are all a family.”

Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos refrained from commenting directly on the issue, saying, “Inter Miami is a huge club because of the players who have been champions and won many things, the people made their display, but I have no opinion on it.”

The result was an important one for Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference campaign, moving them into second place with 28 points, just two behind leaders Nashville. Reflecting on the team’s effort, Hoyos added, “The players drew, they painted, they made a huge sacrifice because they were exhausted from a very tough week with travel, and they manifested themselves. Congratulations to all who were involved with us in the day-to-day. We are very happy to win and continue growing, little by little.”