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Lionel Messi scored with a header in the 10th minute, marking the first goal in the history of Nu Stadium this Saturday during the inaugural match of the new stadium for Inter Miami against Austin FC, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The goal, which was the 903rd goal in the Argentine star's professional career, came in response to the early 0-1 scored by Guilherme Biro in the sixth minute for Austin FC.
The official club account on the social network X summarized it straightforwardly: "The first goal at home. Written by Leo Messi".
It was not just a header to equalize a match. It was the first emotional imprint on a night designed to celebrate identity and growth, and it fell into the hands — or rather, the head — of the player around whom Inter Miami built its leap in scale and global prestige.
The match was not easy for Las Garzas. Austin FC regained the lead in the 53rd minute with a goal from Jayden Nelson, but it was Suárez who, in the 82nd minute, took advantage of a corner taken by Silvetti to equalize 2-2 with his first goal of the 2026 season. Inter Miami struck 27 times and had nine shots on target during the night.
The defender Maxi Falcón summarized the contribution of the historic duo after the match: "I’m very happy for them. They are always the players who make the difference. Leo, with the ball, we already know what he is, what he generates for the opponent, even without the ball, and Luis too; every time he’s inside the area, he’s lethal. He demonstrated that again today."
Days before the premiere, the club announced the creation of the Leo Messi Stand, a stand dedicated in honor of their captain —sections 117-121 and 217-223 in the east zone— presented as a unique case in global sports: an active player who already has a stand named after him in the stadium where he regularly plays. His contract was renewed until 2028 in October 2025, further solidifying his connection with the club.
The Nu Stadium, located in Miami Freedom Park on the former Melreese golf course, has a capacity of 26,700 spectators and is part of a complex spanning 53 acres with a total investment of 1 billion dollars. Its name comes from the naming rights agreement with Nubank, announced on March 3.
Jorge Mas, the main owner of the club, described the inauguration as "the realization of a dream," marking a historic night for a franchise that, since Messi's arrival, has conquered the Leagues Cup 2023, the Supporters' Shield 2024, and the MLS Cup 2025.
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