Lionel Messi Scores First Goal In Inter Miami's New Stadium But Draw Austin In MLS

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 07:55 IST

Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with Austin in debut match at new Nu Stadium, Luis Suarez nets late equaliser, David Beckham hails long awaited home as dream come true

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

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

David Beckham’s Dream Come True

“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 kick-off.

“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."

Austin Spoil Party In Miami

The match began in celebratory fashion, with Beckham joining billionaire Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas in a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony, but Austin refused to follow the script.

The Texas club, who went into the game with only one win from five matches, stunned the home crowd after only six minutes, with Guilherme Biro nodding in a corner from Facundo Torres to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Messi, however, did not take long to open his account in his new surroundings.

Right-back Ian Fray burst down the flank and crossed for Messi, who equalised with a rare headed goal to make it 1-1.

Inter Miami dominated possession thereafter and created a string of chances, with Mateo Silvetti twice going close, first with a shot in the 34th minute and then with a header that went wide four minutes later.

But Austin’s dogged defending and pace on the counter-attack continued to trouble the hosts, and they retook the lead after 53 minutes.

Messi was dispossessed deep in the Austin half by Joseph Rosales, who released Myrto Uzuni. Uzuni then sent substitute Jayden Nelson clean through on goal to score.

With Miami growing increasingly desperate, coach Javier Mascherano sent on veteran striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute.

The Uruguayan duly delivered eight minutes later, prodding home from close range after a Messi corner was flicked on by German Berterame in the Austin defence.

Suarez thought he had scored a dramatic winner when he finished from close range after Messi’s free-kick came back off the woodwork, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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