Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham celebrated a long-held dream as his team played its inaugural match at Nu Stadium on Saturday, ending in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC.
The former English soccer star, who co-founded the club in 2018 after his time with LA Galaxy, has played a crucial role in guiding the franchise’s swift ascent to becoming MLS champions and home to Lionel Messi.
“When I came to the U.S. and joined MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, elevate the sport I love, and build my own team,” Beckham shared prior to the match against Austin.
“Thirteen years ago, I declared Miami as my choice. We had no name, no fans, and no stadium. Now, I proudly stand in our new home.”
“We are champions of MLS and have the greatest player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams truly can come true.”
Since entering the MLS in 2020, Miami has become a hub for some of LaLiga’s most prominent stars over the past 15 years. Players like Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Messi have donned the Miami jersey, with Javier Mascherano serving as head coach since November 2024.
Following Messi’s joining the team in 2023, Miami clinched the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and secured their first MLS championship in 2025, with the Argentine superstar earning the league’s MVP accolade in both seasons.
Until now, the team has had to hold its home games in Fort Lauderdale, located about 25 miles north of Miami.
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Saturday’s match involved more than just Beckham and Messi; notable individuals like actor Matthew McConaughey, who is part of Austin FC’s ownership group, even penned an open letter to Beckham, commending his significant contribution to American soccer over the past nearly two decades.
“As Austin competes against Miami today on your new pitch, I want to express my heartfelt thanks — while you didn’t create soccer in the U.S., you undeniably supercharged it,” McConaughey wrote.
“Your arrival at the Galaxy brought fresh legitimacy to MLS, transformed matches into events, and ultimately shifted MLS from a testing ground to a premier destination. THANK YOU.”
This report includes information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press.