Lionel Messi became the first Inter Miami player to score at the new Nu Stadium, but his team could only draw 2-2 against Austin FC in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) match on April 4.
Messi's goal came in the 10th minute, just 4 minutes after Austin FC defender Guilherme Biro opened the score. The Argentine superstar scored with a header, right in front of the stand named after him "Leo Messi Stand". However, the away team Austin FC quickly regained balance after halftime, when Jayden Nelson scored just over 10 seconds after Messi lost the ball near the penalty area.
Although Messi created continuous pressure, his shots could not bring the second goal, including a free kick that hit the post. Instead, Luis Suarez, who had just been brought on, scored with a close-range volley in the 81st minute, helping Inter Miami maintain the draw and avoid a regrettable defeat.
This is Inter Miami's first "home" match since winning the MLS Cup last season, after more than 6 years playing at Fort Lauderdale. David Beckham - co-owner of the club shared: "When I came to the US and MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win the championship, help elevate the football I loved and build my own team. Today, I am standing on our new home field. We are MLS champions and have the best player in football history playing for Miami. Dreams can truly come true".
With a capacity of 26,700 people, Nu Stadium marks a new historical milestone for Inter Miami and is a place where fans expect to witness many memorable moments from Messi, Suarez and their teammates in this year's MLS season.
