Messi marks new stadium with goal but Miami held by Austin

Lionel Messi marked the inauguration of Inter Miami’s impressive Nu Stadium with a goal, yet the MLS champions were held to a 2‑2 draw by a spirited Austin FC. A sold‑out crowd, including co‑owner David Beckham, celebrated the long‑awaited opening of the 26,000‑seat venue, the culmination of more than a decade of planning. The festivities, however, were quickly interrupted when Guilherme Biro headed Austin into a sixth‑minute lead.

Messi responded with a rare header after Ian Fray’s surging run and cross, and Miami dominated possession, though Austin’s counterattacks remained dangerous. Early in the second half, Jayden Nelson restored the visitors’ advantage after a turnover involving Messi. Luis Suárez came off the bench and equalised from close range, later seeing a potential winner ruled out for offside after Messi struck the woodwork.

Despite the draw, the night marked a landmark moment in Inter Miami’s young history.