This Saturday, April 4, Inter Miami debuted the Nu Stadium, its new home, in a match against Austin FC that was full of emotions from the first minute. The venue’s debut could not have had a more appropriate protagonist: Lionel Messi scored the team’s first goal in the brand new stadium with a header in the 9th minute to even the score 1-1 after Austin’s early goal.
The goal came after a cross from Ian Fray from the right wing that Messi headed past goalkeeper Brad Stuver. A score that represents goal number 903 in the Argentine’s career and the fifth so far this MLS season, in the same number of dates played.
The match, however, did not end with the result that the Herons expected. Austin FC took the lead again in the 52nd minute with a goal from Jayden Nelson on the counterattack for the final 2-1, leaving Inter Miami with the defeat on the opening day of their new home despite the several chances that Javier Mascherano’s team generated in the second half.
It was ALWAYS going to be him. 💥
Leo Messi scores Miami’s first goal at Nu Stadium and pulls the hosts level! pic.twitter.com/p1mDk5NQk2
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 5, 2026
This Saturday, the Nu Stadium officially opened its doors in an emotional ceremony led by David Beckham and the club’s main leaders, which culminated with the traditional ribbon cutting before the excited gaze of the Herons fans.
For Jorge Mas, one of the promoters of the project and president of Inter Miami, the moment was especially significant. “On behalf of the Mas and Beckham family, I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. We will show the world that dreaming anything is possible”said the businessman, closing a ceremony that marked the beginning of a new era for soccer in Miami.