Austin FC Scores First Goal at Inter Miami’s New Stadium
- Inter Miami CF opened its new Nu Stadium on April 4, 2026, with a match against Austin FC that ended in a 2-2 draw.
- The inaugural match featured the first goal at the facility, which was scored by Austin FC's Guilherme Biro in the sixth minute.
- Inter Miami responded in the 10th minute when Lionel Messi scored the club's first goal at the new venue.
Inter Miami CF opened its new Nu Stadium on April 4, 2026, with a match against Austin FC that ended in a 2-2 draw. The event marked the first Major League Soccer match played in the city of Miami, fulfilling a long-term goal for the franchise’s ownership.
The inaugural match featured the first goal at the facility, which was scored by Austin FC’s Guilherme Biro in the sixth minute. The Brazilian left back scored the goal via a header following a corner kick delivered by Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres.
Inter Miami responded in the 10th minute when Lionel Messi scored the club’s first goal at the new venue. Messi converted a header after receiving a pass from Ian Fray. The play began with an entry pass from Messi to winger Telasco Segovia, who then passed to Fray, who chipped the ball back into the box to find Messi.
Stadium Details and Opening
Nu Stadium is a 26,700-seat structure valued at $350 million, located near the Miami International Airport. The facility was officially opened approximately three hours before kickoff by David Beckham and owners Jorge and Jose Mas through a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
The opening ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by Marc Anthony. Despite the official opening, some construction equipment and piles of dirt remained around the facility as the match began.
The establishment of the stadium follows a decades-long effort to bring professional soccer to the city, occurring nearly 30 years after the Miami Fusion attempted to play in the city and 13 years after David Beckham first vowed to establish an expansion franchise there.
Match Progression
Following Messi’s equalizer, Austin FC regained the lead in the 53rd minute when Jayden Nelson scored past Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Inter Miami secured the draw in the 81st minute through a goal by Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan forward scored with his left boot after a header from Germán Berterame.
Statistically, Inter Miami dominated much of the game, outshooting Austin FC 27-8 and holding a significant advantage in possession and completed passes, with nearly 300 more completed passes than their opponents. However, they were unable to secure a victory, with one late attempt by Messi hitting the top of the crossbar and a goal by Suárez being ruled offside.
David Beckham
Today, we 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 do come true.