Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez Secure Draw as Inter Miami Officially Opens Nu Stadium in Historic Homecoming

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez find the net as Inter Miami officially opens Nu Stadium. David Beckham celebrates a 12-year dream realized in Miami.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 5, 2026, 1:57 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ESPN and BBC Sport

A Decade Long Vision Realized in Miami

The opening of Nu Stadium on Saturday marked the culmination of a 12-year journey for Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. Since being awarded an expansion franchise in 2014, Beckham had campaigned for a permanent, soccer-specific stadium within Miami-Dade County. After years of site negotiations—ranging from Biscayne Bay to Overtown—and a temporary tenure at Lockhart Stadium (Chase Stadium) in Fort Lauderdale, the club finally debuted at its new home at Miami Freedom Park. Beckham described the moment as a "dream come true," noting that the club now stands as MLS champions with the "best player in the history of the game" leading the squad.

Messi Ignites the "Nueva Era"

The atmosphere at the new arena was defined by pink lights and a massive tifo declaring the start of a "new era." While Austin FC’s Guilherme Biro scored the stadium's first-ever goal in the sixth minute, Lionel Messi quickly leveled the proceedings. In the 10th minute, the Argentina captain executed a well-weighted header off an Ian Fray cross to equalize. The goal was scored in front of a grandstand that has been officially named in Messi’s honor, marking his fifth goal in five MLS appearances this season. The strike ignited the first of what owners hope will be many "Messi" chants echoing through the permanent Miami residence.

Suárez Salvages a Point Amid Injury Struggles

Inter Miami faced a second-half setback when Austin's Jayden Nelson restored the visitors' lead. The responsibility to rescue the match fell to 39-year-old Luis Suárez, who entered the game as a substitute. In the 81st minute, Suárez volleyed home from close range following a corner kick to secure the 2-2 draw. This goal was particularly significant for the Uruguayan forward, who has been managing chronic osteoarthritis and had not scored a competitive goal since October 11, 2025. Suárez nearly found a winner in stoppage time after a Messi free-kick hit the post, but his subsequent header was disallowed for offside.