Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami open new stadium with Austin FC draw
Lionel Messi scored his team’s first goal at their new 26,700-capacity home as Inter Miami came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Austin FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
The historic fixture marked the MLS Cup champions’ first competitive match within their namesake city, having spent the previous six years playing in Fort Lauderdale.
However, the visitors threatened to spoil the opening-day party when Brazilian defender Guilherme Biro netted the first-ever goal at the newly built Nu Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner quickly restored parity, heading home just four minutes later to delight fans seated in a stand bearing his own name.
Suarez rescues a point for hosts
Austin regained the advantage early in the second half when Jayden Nelson finished a rapid counter-attack following a rare dispossession of the Argentine captain.
The Texas-based outfit frustrated the hosts for long spells, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing a strong penalty appeal waved away before the interval.
Miami manager Javier Mascherano turned to his bench in search of an equaliser to salvage what he had previously described as a “dream day” for the franchise.
His decisive substitution proved fruitful as 39-year-old veteran Luis Suarez volleyed in from close range with nine minutes of regulation time remaining.
The home crowd almost witnessed a fairytale conclusion, but a trademark curling free-kick from their talismanic number 10 rebounded agonisingly off the post in the dying moments.
Beckham’s 13-year vision realised
The hard-fought point ensures the reigning title holders remain unbeaten in their last five MLS outings, while Austin are now winless in their previous four fixtures.
For Miami co-owner David Beckham, the inauguration of the stadium represented the culmination of a journey that began more than a decade ago.
The former England captain formally selected the city as the destination for his expansion franchise in 2013, exercising an option granted during his playing days with LA Galaxy.
“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 stated before kick-off.
“Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice, we had no name, no fans, and no stadium, but today I stand in our new home as champions.”
