New stadium, old habits: Lionel Messi always makes a difference

Special event for Inter Miami, which played its first match in the brand new Nu Stadium (after spending as many as six years in Fort Lauderdale. The first challenge saw, as an opponent, Austin FC. Spectacular match, which ended with a final score of 2-2. The first goal in Inter Miami’s spectacular new home facility was scored by Messi.

“Thirteen years ago, I announced that Miami was my choice. We didn’t have a name. We didn’t have fans. We didn’t have a stadium. Today, I am in our new home. We are MLS champions. We have the best player in the history of soccer playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true,” the words of David Beckham, co-owner of the Miami-based franchise.

After the guests took the lead through Guiherme Biro after 6′ of play, it was up to Pulce to put things back on track with the momentary 1-1 goal celebrated by the 26,700 spectators present at the match (including Ronaldo the Phenomeno). Another Austin FC lead with Jayden Nelson before the final equalizing goal by Luis Suarez (82′). In the final, Lionel Messi came close to scoring the masterpiece, on a free kick, that would have given Inter Miami the win.

“This is a spectacular stadium, clearly world-class. The crowd was incredible; the place was absolutely packed,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano’s words after the match reported by ESPN: