Messi Scores As Miami Open Long-awaited New Stadium

Lionel Messi needed just 10 minutes to score Inter Miami’s first goal in their long-awaited new stadium, in front of a stand that bears his name, as his team played to an entertaining 2-2 draw with visiting Austin FC.

Messi didn’t score the first goal at Nu Stadium; that distinction went to Austin defender Guilherme Biro. The Argentine great soon made his mark, though, scoring a header four minutes after Biro’s goal.

But Austin, which also hit the post twice and had strong penalty appeal denied in the first half, looked set to spoil the party when they scored again early in the second half. In a rare sight, Messi was dispossessed on the edge of the opposition box and just over 10 seconds later Austin had the ball in the back of the Miami net through Jayden Nelson.

Messi looked desperate to atone as Miami increased the pressure on Austin but, after some sumptuous footwork, had an effort repelled by goalkeeper Brad Stuver.

Instead it was another South American star who ensured that what Miami coach Javier Mascherano had called a “dream day” did not end on a somber note. With nine minutes of regulation time remaining and just a few minutes after Mascherano subbed him on, 39-year-old Luis Suárez volleyed in from close range following a corner.

Still Messi came close to delivering a perfect finale for those fans watching on in the newly christened Leo Messi Stand and around the 26,700-capacity stadium, only to see one of his trademark free kicks come back off the post in the dying minutes.

Inter Miami (3-1-2) are now unbeaten in their past five MLS matches, and Austin (1-2-3) are now winless in their past four contests.

“This is a spectacular stadium, clearly world-class,” Mascherano said after. “The crowd was incredible; the place was absolutely packed.”