Inter Miami’s long-awaited first match at Nu Stadium had the atmosphere and the star power, but Austin FC spoiled the party with a strong road performance before Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez helped Miami salvage a point in a 2-2 draw.
Inter Miami finally opened the doors to Nu Stadium on Saturday night, playing in front of a crowd of 26,412 in one of the most anticipated home games in club history. The night had all the buildup of a statement moment, but Austin FC refused to play along quietly and made Miami earn everything.
Austin struck first in the 6th minute when Guilherme Biro headed home a Facundo Torres corner, becoming the first player to score at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami answered quickly, with Lionel Messi rising for a header in the 10th minute to score the club’s first goal in its new home and level the match at 1-1.
The score stayed even through halftime, but Austin found another breakthrough in the 53rd minute. Jayden Nelson finished a one-on-one chance after Austin sliced through Miami’s defense, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead and putting real pressure on the home side.
Inter Miami kept pushing and eventually found their equalizer in the 82nd minute. Second-half substitute Luis Suárez scored from close range on a corner to rescue a point for Miami, capping a frantic finish in a match where the hosts controlled much of the ball and piled up chances. Miami finished with 65.6 percent possession, 28 shot attempts, and eight shots on target, but Austin’s resilience kept the game level by the final whistle.
In the end, the result felt like a missed opportunity for Inter Miami and a valuable road result for Austin FC. Miami got its historic night, Messi delivered another big moment, and Suárez came through late, but Austin walked away having spoiled the celebration and extended its unbeaten all-time record against Miami to three matches.
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