Lionel Messi scored within just 10 minutes of kickoff, netting Inter Miami‘s inaugural goal at their new stadium, which features a stand named in his honor. His team ultimately played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against the visiting Austin FC on Saturday.
Interestingly, it was Austin defender Guilherme Biro who scored the first goal at Nu Stadium before Messi equalized with a header just four minutes later.
Austin kept the pressure on, even striking the post twice and seeing a strong penalty appeal turned down in the first half. They took the lead again early in the second half after Messi was dispossessed near the box, leading to Jayden Nelson finding the back of the net merely ten seconds later.
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Messi was determined to make an impact as Miami pressed for an equalizer but saw a stunning shot thwarted by goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
However, it was another South American star who made sure that Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, did not have to endure a disappointing finish. Just minutes after being brought on, 39-year-old Luis Suárez volleyed in from close range off a corner kick with nine minutes left on the clock.
Messi nearly delivered an unforgettable moment for the fans in the newly established Leo Messi Stand and the 26,700-capacity crowd, but his late free kick hit the post.
Currently, Inter Miami (3-1-2) has gone five matches without a loss in MLS, while Austin (1-2-3) remains winless in their last four games.
“This stadium is truly spectacular and world-class,” Mascherano remarked afterward. “The crowd was phenomenal; the atmosphere was electric.”
This match marked Inter Miami’s first official “home” game since clinching last season’s MLS Cup, as they finally returned to Miami after spending over six years in Fort Lauderdale.
For Miami co-owner David Beckham, this moment was long awaited. Beckham chose Miami as the future home for his team back in 2013 as part of his deal to join MLS with the LA Galaxy.
“When I came to America and joined MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, promote the sport I love, and create my own team,” Beckham reflected before the match. “Thirteen years ago, I picked Miami. We had no name, no fans, and no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home. We’re the MLS champions, and we have the greatest player in history playing in Miami. Dreams do come true.”
As Messi warmed up, the majority of seats were filled. Beckham and the ownership group acknowledged the fans moments before, mingling with the most passionate supporters behind one of the goals. The event featured pink glow sticks waved by fans and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by music icon Marc Anthony.
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Inter Miami CF vs. Austin FC – Game Highlights
Inter Miami CF vs. Austin FC – Game Highlights
Among the spectators was another soccer icon, Brazilian World Cup champion Ronaldo, who was once a teammate of Beckham at Real Madrid.
MLS commissioner Don Garber was present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Miami Freedom Park, a venue still under construction, which required temporary approvals from local officials just to hold Saturday’s game.
“We made a commitment to him that he would have an option on the team, and he exercised that in Miami,” Garber noted. “This journey didn’t end when Leo Messi joined the club; it concluded today with the opening of this building.”
Beckham’s star power sparked initial interest. Messi elevated the team onto the global stage. Others, such as Austin—with actor Matthew McConaughey among their ownership group—seek to follow suit.
McConaughey expressed his appreciation in an open letter to Beckham on Saturday, stating, “As Austin visits Miami today to celebrate your new pitch, I want to sincerely thank you—while you didn’t create soccer here, you certainly supercharged it. Your arrival with the Galaxy gave MLS a fresh legitimacy, transforming games into events and turning MLS into a premier destination. THANK YOU.”
To allow Inter Miami time to finish their stadium, MLS scheduled several away games for the team at the start of the season, and they have yet to match the heights of their inaugural MLS championship win last year.
Mascherano expressed disappointment with the team’s first-half performance, particularly following a previous victory against New York City FC.
“We leave with a sense of disappointment, believing we deserved more, especially after creating 18 scoring chances,” he confessed. “Football isn’t like a switch you can turn on or off at will. It doesn’t operate that way, and we cannot afford to waste a first half the way we did today.
“So, there’s a bitter feeling—a sadness—because after our strong showing in New York, today felt like a step backward.”
Miami will return to their new home in a week to take on the New York Red Bulls.
Information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.