Inter Miami's Historic Stadium Opener Ends in 2-2 Draw Against Austin
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Key Takeaways
Miami, April 5 (NationPress) — In a landmark event, Inter Miami CF marked the opening of its stunning new stadium with a thrilling match that ended in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC during the MLS regular season.
Captain Lionel Messi and forward Luis Suarez made history by scoring the first-ever goals at Nu Stadium.
The game kicked off with Austin taking an early lead thanks to a goal from Guilherme Biro in the sixth minute. Inter Miami quickly responded, with Messi netting his first goal at Nu Stadium with a well-placed header from within the box.
This marked Messi's first goal of the regular season, while the assist came from homegrown defender Fray, who achieved his first assist of the season.
The match remained tied at 1-1 until Austin regained the lead with a goal in the 53rd minute.
However, Inter Miami managed to equalize again in the 82nd minute when second-half substitute Suarez scored from close range after a corner kick.
This was Suarez's first goal this season, with Berterame and Silvetti providing their second assists of the regular season.
The final score of 2-2 held until the whistle, allowing Inter Miami to secure a point in their historic home opener.
“For the last 20 to 25 minutes, we took significant risks,” head coach Javier Mascherano stated in the post-match conference. “We are at home, and as MLS Cup champions, we need to demonstrate that.”
With the inaugural match at Nu Stadium completed, Inter Miami aims to build on their impressive legacy, which includes winning the MLS Cup 2025, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the Leagues Cup 2023.
“I believe our best moments are still ahead,” Mascherano added. “The past few months have been incredibly stressful, but lifting an MLS Cup together in December would be a spectacular way to conclude an incredible year.”