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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrated the grand opening of the club’s new permanent home with a goal as the Major League Soccer champions fought to a 2-2 draw against Austin FC on Saturday.
The match marked the long-awaited debut of the 26,000-capacity Nu Stadium, a project over a decade in the making.
Co-owner David Beckham, who joined billionaire managing owner Jorge Mas for a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony, described the event as a “dream come true” and a milestone for the franchise he promised to bring to Miami 13 years ago.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere in the star-studded stands, Austin FC quickly dampened the mood by taking an early lead in the sixth minute through a Guilherme Biro header.
Messi responded shortly after, levelling the score with a rare header of his own following a precise cross from right-back Ian Fray.
Although Inter Miami dominated possession throughout the first half and created several scoring opportunities, they struggled to pull ahead against a resilient and disciplined Austin defence.
The visitors reclaimed the lead early in the second half when a counter-attack led by Joseph Rosales allowed substitute Jayden Nelson to find the back of the net.
Facing a potential defeat in their stadium opener, Miami coach Javier Mascherano introduced veteran striker Luis Suárez in the 73rd minute.
The move paid off eight minutes later as Suárez poked home the equaliser from close range.
While Suárez briefly thought he had secured a dramatic late winner, the goal was ultimately ruled out for offside, leaving the points shared in an action-packed inaugural match.
