Messi's Milestone Goal Lights Up Inter Miami's Nu Stadium Opening
Lionel Messi added another historic achievement to his illustrious career on Saturday night, scoring the first-ever goal for Inter Miami at their newly inaugurated Nu Stadium. This landmark moment occurred during a thrilling Major League Soccer match against Austin FC, which ended in a 2-2 draw, symbolizing a new era for the club as they transitioned from their former home in Fort Lauderdale.
Early Drama and Messi's Response
The match began with early drama when Austin FC's Guilherme Biro scored the stadium's inaugural goal in the sixth minute with a powerful header, momentarily silencing the home crowd. However, Messi quickly responded, demonstrating his legendary prowess by meeting an Ian Fray cross with a perfectly timed header in the 10th minute to equalize the score. This goal not only ignited the Inter Miami faithful but also marked Messi's fifth goal of the MLS season in just his sixth appearance, underscoring his dominant form since the 2026 campaign commenced.
Beckham's Vision and Stadium Details
Before kickoff, the atmosphere was electric as co-owner David Beckham addressed the fans alongside fellow owners Jorge and Jose Mas to celebrate the stadium's grand opening. Beckham praised Messi, calling him the 'best player in the history of the game' and thanking him for his transformative impact on Inter Miami. The stadium itself features a permanent tribute to the Argentine icon, with a section on the east side officially dedicated as the 'Leo Messi Stand.' Beckham emphasized the mutual belief between the club and the city, stating, 'We believed in Miami, and Miami believed in us.'
The Nu Stadium, which opened its doors on Friday evening, is part of the larger Miami Freedom Park campus. Reported to have cost around $350 million for the stadium alone, the entire complex is projected to reach approximately $1 billion upon completion. It includes a 26,700-seater stadium, a 5,000-space parking lot, a 750-room hotel, a retail village, and 58 acres of public parks and community soccer fields. Notably, the club confirmed that the stadium was entirely privately funded, requiring no city money for construction, although Florida Governor Ron DeSantis allocated $8 million in public funding for road infrastructure around the venue.
Match Outcome and Family Celebrations
The game saw further excitement as Austin FC's Jayden Nelson restored the visitors' lead, only for Luis Suarez to equalize again with nine minutes remaining, resulting in a 2-2 draw. This match marked Inter Miami's first game in its namesake city, ending over six years of playing in Fort Lauderdale. Off the field, Beckham was joined by his wife Victoria and their children Cruz and Romeo for the opening festivities. Cruz, 21, shared his pride on Instagram, posting, 'Dad I really couldn’t be more proud of you... you have made history once again.' Beckham also shared glimpses of the stadium on social media, captioning a post with 'Our new home' and highlighting the state-of-the-art pink and white ground.
This event not only celebrated a new chapter for Inter Miami but also reinforced Messi's enduring legacy in football, blending sporting excellence with community investment in Miami's evolving sports landscape.
