Lionel Messi nets a goal as Miami inaugurates its much-anticipated new stadium.
Lionel Messi took only 10 minutes to net Inter Miami’s inaugural goal in their eagerly anticipated new stadium, located in front of a stand named after him, as his team played to an exciting 2-2 draw against visiting Austin FC on Saturday.
However, the first goal at Nu Stadium was scored by Austin defender Guilherme Biro. The Argentine star quickly made his presence felt, scoring a header just four minutes after Biro’s strike.
Austin, which also struck the post twice and had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the first half, appeared poised to disrupt the celebration by scoring again early in the second half. In an unusual moment, Messi was dispossessed near the edge of the opponent’s box, and within 10 seconds, Austin found the back of the Miami net, courtesy of Jayden Nelson.
Messi seemed eager to make amends as Miami intensified their attack on Austin, but after showcasing some exquisite footwork, his shot was saved by goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
It was another South American talent who ensured that what Miami coach Javier Mascherano referred to as a “dream day” did not conclude on a disappointing note. With nine minutes left in regulation and shortly after Mascherano substituted him in, 39-year-old Luis SuΓ‘rez volleyed in from close range following a corner.
Messi nearly provided a perfect ending for the fans in the newly named Leo Messi Stand and throughout the 26,700-capacity stadium, only to see one of his signature free kicks rebound off the post in the closing moments.
This match marked Inter Miami’s first “home” game since winning last season’s MLS Cup and their first ever in their namesake city after spending over six years in Fort Lauderdale.
For Miami co-owner David Beckham, the anticipation extended even further back. In 2013, Beckham selected Miami as the location for his team, part of the agreement that brought him to MLS with the LA Galaxy six years prior. The league officially recognized it in 2014 when he exercised his option for an expansion franchise.
“When I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help elevate the game of soccer that I cherish, and to establish my own team,” Beckham stated ahead of Saturday’s match.
“Thirteen years ago, I declared Miami as my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home. We are champions of the MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams truly can come true.”
By the time Messi took to the field for warmups, most seats were occupied. Beckham and the rest of Inter Miami’s ownership group had earlier come out to acknowledge the fans, even interacting with some in the most passionate supporters’ section behind one of the goals. The occasion featured pink glow sticks waved in the stands and music icon Marc Anthony performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Also present in the stands was another soccer icon, Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo — a former teammate of Beckham’s at Real Madrid.
MLS commissioner Don Garber attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Miami Freedom Park, a facility still under construction that required temporary approvals from civic officials to host Saturday’s match.
“We made a commitment to him that he would have an option on the team, and he exercised that in Miami,” Garber remarked. “And it was a journey. And that journey, in many ways, didn’t conclude when Leo Messi joined the club. The journey truly reached its conclusion today with the opening of this building.”
Beckham’s celebrity status initiated the excitement. Messi elevated the team to a global platform. Others will now attempt to replicate this success – including Austin, which has actor and producer Matthew McConaughey as part of its ownership group.
McConaughey penned an open letter of sorts to Beckham on Saturday.
“As Austin visits Miami today for a little celebration on your new pitch, I want to first express a heartfelt ‘thank you’ – you didn’t create soccer over here in the US, but you certainly supercharged it,” McConaughey wrote. “When you joined the Galaxy you gave MLS fresh legitimacy, you transformed games into events, and essentially changed MLS from a proving ground to a premier destination. THANK YOU.”
MLS arranged for Inter Miami to have several away matches at the start of the season, allowing the team time to progress with construction. They will return to their new home in a week’s time to face the New York Red Bulls.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
