Messi scores as Inter Miami open new stadium with a draw in the MLS

Tuesday, 7 April 2026 02:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate Telasco Segovia after scoring Inter Miami’s first goal during the MLS match against Austin FC at the Nu Stadium in Miami

Lionel Messi marked the opening of Inter Miami’s gleaming new stadium with a goal as the Major League Soccer (MLS) champions battled to a 2-2 draw against Austin FC.

Inter Miami’s Co-Owner David Beckham, was among the star-studded crowd as the club’s 26,000-capacity Nu Stadium made its debut on Saturday, marking the end of a more-than-a-decade-long journey to find a permanent home.

“To see this stadium come to life, after years and years of trying to get this stadium up and running in Miami, is something that’s very special,” Beckham said shortly before kickoff.

“I came to America in the MLS 20 years ago, and I made a lot of promises. And 13 years ago, I made a lot of promises again, announcing I was coming to Miami. “Today it’s just a dream come true for us.”

While the match kicked off in celebratory fashion, with Beckham joining billionaire Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mas in a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony, Austin refused to follow the script.

Inter Miami fans wave flags in Nu Stadium before the team’s first MLS match at their new home stadium