Inter Miami Debuts at Nu Stadium With 2-2 Draw Against Austin FC

Inter Miami CF opened their new 26,000-capacity Nu Stadium on Saturday, April 4, 2026, finishing in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC. The match marked the conclusion of a more than decade-long effort to establish a permanent home for the Major League Soccer champions in Miami.

The inaugural event featured a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony involving co-owner David Beckham and managing owner Jorge Mas. Beckham described the opening of the venue as a dream come true, noting that the achievement follows promises he made 13 years ago when announcing his arrival in Miami and 20 years ago when he first joined the league.

Match Summary and Scoring

The game began with quick exchanges in the opening ten minutes. Austin FC’s Guilherme Biro scored the first-ever goal at Nu Stadium in the 6th minute, heading in a corner kick from Facundo Torres.

Inter Miami responded four minutes later when captain Lionel Messi scored a header in the 10th minute, converting a pass from Ian Fray. This marked Messi’s first goal at the new venue.

Austin FC regained the lead in the 53rd minute. Canadian international Jayden Nelson finished past Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair after being set up by Myrto Uzuni and Joseph Rosales.

Inter Miami equalized in the 82nd minute. Luis Suárez scored the final goal of the match following a header from Germán Berterame, with Mateo Silvetti also credited in the assist sequence.

Key Match Details

• Final Score: Inter Miami 2, Austin FC 2
• Inter Miami Scorers: Lionel Messi (10′), Luis Suárez (82′)
• Austin FC Scorers: Guilherme Biro (6′), Jayden Nelson (53′)
• Venue: Nu Stadium, Miami, FL
• Referee: Allen Chapman

Despite the draw, the match provided several close calls for both sides. Messi nearly secured a victory by hitting the top of the crossbar, while Austin FC hit the post twice, including a free kick by Myrto Uzuni in the first half.

Context and Historical Significance

The opening of Nu Stadium ends a long period of transition for soccer in the city. The match occurred nearly 30 years after the Miami Fusion attempted to play in the city and 13 years after Beckham’s initial vows for an expansion franchise home.

I believe in Miami and Miami believed in us. 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.

David Beckham

With this result, Austin FC remains unbeaten in three all-time meetings against Inter Miami, holding one win and two draws.

Austin FC is scheduled to play its seventh match of the 2026 MLS regular season against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, April 11, at 1:30 p.m. CT.