Messi's Header and Suárez Super-Sub Steal the Show in Nu Stadium Thriller
Inter Miami opened their new Nu Stadium with a 2-2 draw against Austin FC, highlighted by Lionel Messi's header equaliser and Luis Suárez's late poacher's goal off the bench. Despite dominating possession, the Herons couldn't break Austin's counter-attacking resolve, with Guilherme Biro and Jayden Nelson replying for the visitors. The result raises questions over Miami's striking options amid a glittering celebrity-filled debut.
Messi Lights Up Inter Miami's Flashy New Home in 2-2 Ding-Dong with Austin
Picture this: Marc Anthony belting out the Star-Spangled Banner, David Beckham snipping a ribbon like it's a grand opening at Harrods, and a 26,700-strong sell-out crowd roaring in Miami's shiny new Nu Stadium. Inter Miami's big day had all the glitz of a Hollywood premiere, but the football? That delivered proper drama too. The Herons christened their pad with a pulsating 2-2 draw against Austin FC, leaving fans buzzing and manager Javier Mascherano with plenty to mull over.
Early Jolts and Messi's Moment of Magic
No dream start for the hosts. Just six minutes in, Guilherme Biro ghosted unmarked to nod home a corner, leaving Miami shell-shocked. It was a right gut-punch for a side banking on Lionel Messi's wizardry since his 2023 arrival.
But hold the phone – enter the GOAT. In the 10th minute, after a slick 15-pass move involving half the team, Messi rose like a salmon to head home the leveller. Inter Miami's first goal at Nu Stadium, and rumour has it, his 903rd career strike. Pub fact: it was always going to be him, wasn't it?
The first half ebbed and flowed like a dodgy pint, with Miami bossing the ball but Austin nicking chances on the break. Halftime whistle blew at 1-1, both sides scratching heads.
Austin Fightback and Suárez to the Rescue
Second half, and Austin turned the screw. Jayden Nelson, fresh off the bench and facing his Canada mate Dayne St. Clair in goal, slotted home a 53rd-minute breakaway to put Los Verdes 2-1 up. Miami poured forward, dominating possession, but frustration mounted – Messi rattled the woodwork twice from free-kicks, and Maxi Falcón nodded wide late on.
Cue the super-sub. Luis Suárez, the 39-year-old Uruguayan legend who's been easing into a cameo role this 2026 MLS season, poached a beauty in the 83rd minute. Latching onto Germán Berterame's flick from a corner, he stabbed home the equaliser – his second goal in just four sub apps (128 minutes played). Blimey, after splashing $15m on Berterame (goalless in eight outings), is Pistolero the answer?
Suárez nearly nicked it late, but offside scuppered dreams of a winner. Austin soaked up pressure like pros, countering with menace. A point each, but Miami's attack questions linger after their Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 exit.
New Era Dawns Amid Goal Hunt
Ditching the temporary Fort Lauderdale scaffolding for this Miami gem marks a proper new chapter. Mascherano wanted focus, but the occasion overwhelmed early. Still, with Messi grinning in the tunnel and Suárez delivering, the Herons look primed.
Next up: New York Red Bulls, steered by Michael Bradley, roll into Nu Stadium for match seven. As Charles Boehm noted at SI Soccer, MLS is back with a bang post-internationals. Expect fireworks – and maybe Suárez starting? Grab your tickets, lads; this stadium's already a cauldron.
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