MIAMI — Lionel Messi wasted little time making history at Inter Miami's long-awaited new stadium, scoring the team's first goal there just 10 minutes into a lively 2-2 draw against Austin FC on Saturday night. The Argentine superstar headed in the equalizer in front of the newly named Leo Messi Stand, capping off an emotional debut for the 26,700-capacity venue at Miami Freedom Park.
The match, Inter Miami's first home game since clinching the MLS Cup last season, drew a packed crowd waving pink glow sticks and buzzing with anticipation. It marked the end of a six-year stint playing in Fort Lauderdale, fulfilling a vision that dates back over a decade for co-owner David Beckham. Austin FC struck first through defender Guilherme Biro, but Messi's header four minutes later leveled the score, sending the fans into a frenzy.
Austin nearly spoiled the celebration, hitting the post twice and having a strong penalty appeal denied in the first half. Early in the second half, they regained the lead when Messi was dispossessed near the box, leading to a quick counter and a goal by Jayden Nelson just over 10 seconds later. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who called the day a "dream day" beforehand, watched as his team ramped up the pressure, with Messi nearly scoring after some intricate footwork only to be denied by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
Relief came in the 81st minute when substitute Luis Suárez, the 39-year-old Uruguayan forward, volleyed home a corner from close range to secure the draw. Messi came agonizingly close to a winning moment in stoppage time, his signature free kick rattling the post. The result leaves Inter Miami unbeaten in their last five MLS matches with a 3-1-2 record, while Austin remains winless in four, sitting at 1-2-3.
"This is a spectacular stadium, clearly world-class," Mascherano said after the game. "The crowd was incredible; the place was absolutely packed." The atmosphere was electric from the start, with music icon Marc Anthony performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo watching from the stands — a nod to the global star power now surrounding the club.
The stadium's opening comes after years of delays and temporary approvals from city officials to host the match amid ongoing construction at Miami Freedom Park. MLS Commissioner Don Garber attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, reflecting on the franchise's rocky path. "We made a commitment to him that he would have an option on the team, and he exercised that in Miami," Garber said of Beckham. "And it was a journey. And that journey, in many ways, didn't end when Leo Messi joined the club. The journey really came to its conclusion today with the opening of this building."
Beckham's involvement traces back to 2013, when he selected Miami as the site for his expansion team as part of a deal from his days with the LA Galaxy. The league formalized the franchise in 2014, but challenges like stadium development pushed back the move. Ahead of Saturday's game, Beckham addressed the milestone: "When I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team."
He continued, "Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home. We are champions of the MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true." By the time Messi emerged for warmups, the seats were nearly full, with Beckham and the ownership group mingling in the supporters' section behind one goal.
The debut highlighted Inter Miami's evolution from an unproven expansion side to MLS champions, boosted immensely by Messi's arrival in 2023. The team started the season with several road games to allow construction to progress, and while they haven't matched last year's championship form, the draw showed resilience. Mascherano, however, expressed frustration with the first half. "We leave with a sense of disappointment, feeling we deserved more, especially considering we created 18 scoring chances," he said. "But football isn't like pushing a button — you can't just switch yourself on whenever you feel like it and then switch yourself off just as easily. It doesn't work that way, and we simply cannot afford to squander a first half the way we did today."
"So the feeling is bitter — it's a sad feeling — because I feel that, after the strong performance we delivered in New York, today we took a step backward."
Austin's visit added another layer, as the club boasts actor Matthew McConaughey among its owners. McConaughey penned an open letter to Beckham on Saturday, acknowledging his impact on American soccer. "As Austin visits Miami today for a little shindig on your new pitch, I want to first shout out a sincere 'thank you' — you didn't create soccer over here in the US, but you damn sure supercharged it," McConaughey wrote. "When you came to the Galaxy you gave MLS fresh legitimacy, you turned games into events, and essentially changed MLS from a proving ground to a premier destination. THANK YOU."
The matchup underscored the growing celebrity influence in MLS, with Beckham's star power laying the groundwork and Messi's global appeal elevating it further. Other franchises, like Austin, are following suit by attracting high-profile investors. The league scheduled Inter Miami's early games on the road to accommodate the stadium timeline, a decision that paid off with the timely opening.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami returns to the new stadium in a week to face the New York Red Bulls, offering another chance to build momentum. For fans, the venue represents more than just a home field — it's a symbol of soccer's rising prominence in South Florida, where the sport has long competed with established sports like football and basketball. The presence of figures like Ronaldo and Anthony only amplified the event's significance, drawing attention from soccer enthusiasts worldwide.
While the draw tempered the euphoria slightly, the night belonged to the milestones: Messi's goal in his namesake stand, Suárez's clutch intervention, and the realization of Beckham's long-held vision. As construction at Miami Freedom Park continues, the stadium promises to host many more chapters in Inter Miami's story, potentially inspiring similar developments across the league.
The game highlights were a mix of drama and skill, with Austin's resilience matching Miami's flair. Biro's opener came from a defensive lapse, but Messi's response was vintage — a perfectly timed header that silenced doubters momentarily. Nelson's goal exposed a rare vulnerability in Messi's game, yet the team's depth shone through with Suárez's finish.
In the broader context, Inter Miami's journey from announcement to championship in just over a decade mirrors the MLS's growth. Beckham's 2007 arrival with the Galaxy sparked interest, and his Miami project has become a blueprint. Garber noted the challenges, but Saturday's festivities affirmed the payoff. With Messi leading the charge, the club eyes defending its title, starting with home comforts now fully in place.