The Miami captain scored his team’s first goal after David Beckham said the new stadium was a “dream come true” for Miami.
Published April 5, 2026
Lionel Messi opened Inter Miami’s shiny new stadium with a goal as the Major League Soccer (MLS) champions won a 2-2 draw with Austin FC.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was among the star-studded crowd on Saturday as the club’s new 26,000-capacity stadium debuted, marking the end of more than a decade of searching for a permanent home.
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“After years of trying to get this stadium up and running in Miami, it’s very special to see this stadium come back to life,” Beckham said just before kickoff.
“I came to America with MLS 20 years ago and made a lot of commitments, and 13 years ago I announced I was coming to Miami and made a lot of commitments again.
“Today, it’s a dream come true for us.”
The game started in a celebratory mood, with Beckham participating in a pre-game ribbon-cutting ceremony with billionaire Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, but Austin refused to follow the script.
The Texas club, who came into the match with only one win from five games, stunned the home crowd after just six minutes when Guilherme Biro nodded in a corner kick from Facundo Torres to give the visitors a 1-0 victory.
However, Messi did not take long to open an account in his new environment.
Right-back Ian Fry ran down the wing and delivered a cross for Messi to equalize with a rare header, making it 1-1 four minutes later.
Inter Miami continued to take control from then on, creating one chance after another, with Matteo Silvetti coming close to scoring twice with a shot in the 34th minute, before heading it wide four minutes later.
However, Austin’s tenacious defense and speed on the counter continued to be a problem for the hosts, who retook the lead after 53 minutes.
Messi lost the ball deep in Austin’s half to Josef Rosales, who released Milt Uzuni and was replaced by substitute Jayden Nelson, who slotted the ball into the back of the net for the goal.
With Miami’s desperation growing, coach Javier Mascherano brought on veteran striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute.
The Uruguayan opened the scoring eight minutes later, scoring from close range after Messi’s corner kick was deflected by Austin defender German Bertelame.
Suarez thought he had scored a dramatic winner, scoring from close range after Messi’s free-kick hit the wood, but it was ruled out for offside.
