Inter Miami Celebrates Historic Home Opener at Nu Stadium

After over a decade of planning and anticipation, Inter Miami CF officially opened its new stadium, Nu Stadium, in Miami on April 5, 2026. The match against Austin FC marked the team's first game in its namesake city, having previously played in Fort Lauderdale. Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber was present for the event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the partially completed stadium, which has a capacity of 26,700 seats. David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his long-held belief in Miami as the team's home, stating, “We believed in Miami, and Miami believed in us.”

Times ColonistMLS: Messi scores as Inter Miami plays out a 2-2 draw with ALionel Messi achieved historic career first during Inter Miami stadium opening

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Austin's Guilherme Biro scoring the first goal in the stadium's history just six minutes into the game. Lionel Messi quickly equalized for Inter Miami, becoming the club's first goalscorer at Nu Stadium. Messi's goal came just four minutes after Biro's, showcasing his impact on the match despite not being the inaugural scorer. The game also featured a late equalizer from Luis Suarez, who scored in the 82nd minute, securing a point for Inter Miami.

MLS: Messi scores as Inter Miami plays out a 2-2 draw with A

Despite the excitement surrounding the opening, Inter Miami fell victim to a common trend in MLS known as the "new stadium curse," where the visiting team often scores the first goal in newly inaugurated venues. This phenomenon has been observed in several recent stadium openings, including those in Nashville and Cincinnati. The draw, while disappointing for the home fans, did not overshadow the significance of the event, as Beckham noted, “Dreams really can come true.”

Lionel Messi falls victim to MLS’s new stadium curse with Inter Miami

Beckham reflected on his journey to this moment, stating, “Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was 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 MLS.” Garber praised the stadium's progress, calling it “breathtaking” and expressing confidence in the team's ability to navigate the remaining construction challenges.

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While the opening was celebrated, some critics pointed out the unfinished state of the stadium and surrounding areas, which still require final certifications from local authorities. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of these delays on Inter Miami's home schedule, although Garber assured that the team had been given a manageable road schedule to start the season.

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Looking ahead, Inter Miami aims to transform Nu Stadium into a fortress for its home games, focusing on building a strong legacy following their recent successes, including the MLS Cup championship. The team is committed to completing the stadium and surrounding facilities, which promise parks, soccer fields, and retail spaces as part of the broader complex.

MLS: Messi scores as Inter Miami plays out a 2-2 draw with A

• “We made a commitment to him that he would have an option on the team, and he exercised that in Miami." — Don Garber, MLS Commissioner

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• “It's a great day for the club,” — Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Coach

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• “When you came to the Galaxy you gave MLS fresh legitimacy, you turned games into events, and essentially changed MLS from a proving ground to a premier destination. THANK YOU.” — Matthew McConaughey, Austin FC Co-Owner

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Inter Miami's home opener marks a significant milestone in the club's history, blending the excitement of a new beginning with the challenges that lie ahead.

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