Messi shines, Suarez saves: Inter Miami holds Austin FC 2-2 in Nu Stadium opener

The much-anticipated opening of Inter Miami’s new home stadium witnessed an exhilarating debut, with Lionel Messi finding the net but the Herons settling for a 2-2 draw against Austin FC in a pulsating MLS clash on Saturday night.

Messi set the tone early, heading home in the 10th minute to give Inter Miami the initial advantage. Yet, the visitors, defending champions Austin FC , quickly responded. Guilherme Biro scored the first-ever goal at Nu Stadium in the sixth minute, and Jayden Nelson doubled Austin’s lead in the 53rd minute with a blistering finish.

Luis Suarez struck back with a spectacular volley in the 82nd minute, rescuing a point for Miami. Despite several late chances, including Mateo Silvetti’s near-miss in the 87th minute , the Herons could not find a winner. A last-minute effort from Suarez was ruled offside, and Messi’s subsequent attempt was brilliantly saved by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver , leaving the score tied at 2-2.

“This team knows what Leo can do , with or without the ball. And Luis? Whenever he’s in the box, he’s lethal,” said Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon post-match.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber , present for the historic event, lauded David Beckham’s vision and Messi’s transformative role in the league. “I think our best days are still ahead. David shined a light on our league, and Leo is taking that torch around the world,” Garber said.

Inter Miami, now unbeaten in five MLS matches (3-1-2), enjoyed a spirited debut at their home stadium near Miami International Airport, while Austin FC extended their winless run to four matches (1-2-3) . The evening marked not just the start of a new era for Inter Miami but also showcased the growing allure and competitiveness of Major League Soccer .