Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Sunday, 05 April 2026, 08:39 / Updated on Sunday, 05 April 2026 08:39
Inter Miami drew Austin FC 2-2 in an MLS regular season match. However, the result took a backseat, as the match marked the inauguration of the club's new stadium, “Nu Stadium”, and one of the stands will bear the name of the team's star, Lionel Messi.
Following this result, Inter Miami missed the chance to match Nashville, the leader of the Eastern Conference, which has two points more than the “Egrets”.
Austin, on the other hand, is 11th in the Western Conference, outside of the playoff spots.
VIDEO+PHOTO | Lionel Messi, the first success at Inter Miami's new stadium
As happened in the debut of this season, Javier Mascherano started Lionel Messi, while Luis Suarez started the game on the bench.
To the disappointment of the hosts, the first goal scored at “Nu Stadium” came in the goal of the own team. In the 6th minute, the defense of the “Egrets” was surprised at a corner, and Guilherme Biro scored with a header, without goalkeeper Dane St. Clair to intervene.
The reply of the hosts came quickly. In the 10th minute, Lionel Messi restored the tie, also scoring with his head, after a cross in the box. It was Inter Miami's first goal in the new stadium.
At the start of the second half, in the 53rd minute, Austin regained the lead through Jayden Nelson, who came on at halftime.
Finally, it was Luis Suarez's turn to take the stage. The Inter Miami star restored parity in the 81st minute to make the final score 2-2.
More than 26,000 spectators attended this game. The stadium already has a stand named “Lionel Messi”.
13 years ago I announced that Miami was my choice. I didn't have a name. I had no fans. We didn't have a stadium. Today, I am in our new home. We are MLS champions. We have the best player in football history playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true.
– David Beckhamowner of Inter Miami
