Inter Miami CF’s inaugural MLS match in Miami at Nu Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw with Austin FC, highlighted by Lionel Messi’s first goal at the venue and the fulfillment of David Beckham’s 13-year quest to bring top-flight soccer to the city.
On April 4, 2026, Major League Soccer etched a new chapter in its history as Inter Miami CF hosted its first league match in the city of Miami at the gleaming Nu Stadium. The occasion, long anticipated by fans and pundits alike, saw the home team settle for a 2-2 draw against Austin FC, but the result was merely a backdrop to the monumental significance of the night.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine icon who has been the catalyst for Inter Miami’s rise, scored the stadium’s first goal for the home side, while Uruguayan star Luis Suarez netted the equalizer. For Austin FC, Guilherme Biro opened the scoring, with Jayden Nelson adding a second USA TODAY.
The energy inside Nu Stadium was electric, a testament to the deep-rooted passion for soccer in South Florida. This match marked the first time an MLS club played a league game in Miami proper, ending a nearly three-decade wait since the Miami Fusion operated in Fort Lauderdale before folding in 2001 USA TODAY. For the past six seasons, Inter Miami had been based at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, but the move to Nu Stadium represents a homecoming to the heart of the city.
At the center of this dream is managing owner David Beckham, whose journey to bring MLS to Miami began at least 13 years ago. Before the match, Beckham and managing owner Jorge Mas addressed the crowd, reflecting on the long road. “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,” Beckham said. “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.” USA TODAY
MLS commissioner Don Garber shared in the celebration, lauding the stadium as “absolutely spectacular” and suggesting it “could rival any sports facility anywhere in the world.” Garber emphasized that the venue is a cornerstone of the league’s growth, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. While construction continues around the stadium, Garber expressed confidence in the project’s completion, noting the remarkable progress made in recent months USA TODAY.
The timeline of Inter Miami’s evolution is a story of perseverance and star power:
- 2013: David Beckham exercises his MLS ownership option, announcing Miami as his chosen market.
- 2020: Inter Miami CF begins play, initially at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium.
- 2023: Lionel Messi joins, sparking a trophy run with the Leagues Cup title.
- 2025: Inter Miami captures the MLS Cup, with Messi named MVP.
- 2026: Nu Stadium opens, hosting the team’s first MLS match in Miami.
Messi’s arrival in 2023 didn’t just transform Inter Miami; it propelled MLS into a new global stratosphere. His presence has driven record attendance, merchandise sales, and international viewership, making the league a destination for talent and attention. Beckham’s initial celebrity helped lay the groundwork, but Messi’s on-field genius has accelerated the league’s credibility and appeal Yahoo Sports.
For Miami fans, Nu Stadium is more than a venue; it’s a symbol of civic pride and sporting ambition. The inaugural match, despite ending in a draw, showcased the team’s resilience with late goals and a vibrant atmosphere. The ongoing construction outside the stadium is a small price for a facility that Garber believes sets a new standard.
Looking ahead, the synergy between Beckham’s visionary ownership and Messi’s transcendent talent positions Inter Miami as MLS’s flagship franchise. With the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the spotlight on American soccer has never been brighter. As Garber remarked, “I think our best days are still ahead.”
This night at Nu Stadium wasn’t just about a draw—it was about a dream realized. From the Miami Fusion’s departure to Beckham’s relentless pursuit, and now Messi’s magic on the pitch, Inter Miami’s journey encapsulates MLS’s evolution from a fledgling league to a global powerhouse. The stadium’s opening is a beacon for what’s possible when vision, capital, and world-class talent converge.
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