Messi Scores as Inter Miami Opens Nu Stadium with 2-2 Draw Against Austin FC

Lionel Messi scored during the inaugural match at the new Inter Miami stadium on Saturday, a contest that ended in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC.

Inter Miami played its first ever game at Nu Stadium on Saturday, securing a 2-2 draw against Austin FC. Lionel Messi marked the opening of the long-awaited venue by scoring a goal, continuing a tenure that has already seen him earn MLS MVP honors in both 2024 and 2025. The result comes as the club transitions from its temporary home in Fort Lauderdale, located approximately 25 miles north of Miami, to this permanent facility. Prior to this stalemate, the franchise established itself as a league powerhouse by winning the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and claiming the MLS championship title in 2025.

Co-owner David Beckham described the event as a dream come true, reflecting on a journey that began when he joined the LA Galaxy two decades ago. Beckham officially announced Miami as his expansion choice 13 years prior to Saturday's kickoff, a time when the project lacked a name, a fan base, or a physical pitch. Since the team's MLS debut in 2020, the organization has successfully recruited global icons including Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. Under the leadership of head coach Javier Mascherano, who took the helm in November 2024, the squad has evolved from a 2018 concept into the current league champions.

Historical Context of the Inter Miami Stadium Project

The move to the new Inter Miami stadium represents the culmination of a six-year development phase led by Beckham following his departure from the LA Galaxy. The Englishman spent 12 years total preparing the South Florida market for a top-flight team, overcoming the initial hurdles of founding a club from scratch. Before the first whistle against Austin FC, Beckham noted that his original ambitions upon arriving in the United States were to win championships and elevate the sport's domestic profile. The presence of the best player in the history of the game on the new pitch serves as the primary evidence of that realized vision.

Celebrity Presence and Ownership Reactions

Austin FC co-owner and actor Matthew McConaughey attended the inaugural match, acknowledging Beckham’s impact on the league through an open letter. McConaughey credited the former England captain with transforming MLS from a proving ground into a premier destination for international talent. The actor specifically noted that Beckham's arrival at the Galaxy 20 years ago gave the league fresh legitimacy and turned standard matches into major events. This sentiment was echoed by the atmosphere at Nu Stadium, which hosted a crowd eager to see Messi add to his statistical tally for the 2026 season.

Performance and Roster Milestones

The 2-2 draw highlights the competitive nature of the current MLS landscape, where Miami now sits as a title-holding side. Lionel Messi’s goal in the opener adds to a legacy that includes back-to-back MVP awards during the club's championship-winning seasons. The roster, managed by Mascherano for the past several months, features a concentration of former LaLiga stars who have defined the team's identity since 2023. While the club previously operated out of Fort Lauderdale, the shift to the new Miami-based venue aligns the team's physical location with the city name Beckham selected over a decade ago.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2026 campaign, the club aims to maintain the momentum generated by their recent Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup victories. The integration of veteran talent like Busquets and Suárez alongside Messi has solidified Miami's status as a dominant force in the league. As the team continues its residency at Nu Stadium, the focus remains on the statistical contributions of its marquee players and the tactical direction provided by the coaching staff appointed in late 2024.