Inter Miami Unveils Nu Stadium in Clash with Austin FC

Lionel Messi and the Herons host Austin FC in the inaugural match at their new 26,700-seat soccer-specific stadium.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the opening match at Nu Stadium, with fragmented shapes and planes of color representing the players, field, and stadium architecture.The grand opening of Inter Miami's new Nu Stadium sets the stage for an intense clash with Austin FC as the Herons look to christen their new home with a win.Today in Miami

After playing in Fort Lauderdale since their 2020 expansion season, Inter Miami CF are set to officially open their new Nu Stadium on Saturday, welcoming Austin FC for a Matchday 6 contest. The 26,700-seat soccer-specific stadium is the centerpiece of a 131-acre development near Miami International Airport, marking the latest crowning achievement for a club that transformed North American soccer with the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023.

Why it matters

The opening of Nu Stadium represents a significant milestone for Inter Miami, who are establishing permanent roots in the heart of Miami after playing their first few seasons in Fort Lauderdale. The new stadium is expected to provide a boost to the club's ambitions, both on and off the field, as they look to build on their recent success under Messi's leadership.

The details

Inter Miami are coming off a 3-2 win at Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC, looking to use the christening of Nu Stadium as further momentum following a five-game road swing to begin the campaign. The Herons' 2026 season hit its first bump last month with an early exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC.

  • Inter Miami CF officially unveil Nu Stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Herons are hosting Austin FC for a Matchday 6 contest.

The players

Lionel Messi

The back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP has 4 goals and 0 assists in 4 league appearances this year. Messi is expected to lead Argentina during their FIFA World Cup title defense this summer.

Rodrigo De Paul

The 2022 World Cup champion is in his first full season with Miami since being fully acquired from LaLiga giants Atlético Madrid.

Dayne St. Clair

The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Canadian international joined the Herons in January via free agency. St. Clair hopes to earn his country's starting job at the 2026 World Cup.

Germán Berterame

Berterame is looking for his first goal at his new club as he vies for a spot on Mexico's World Cup squad. In January, the striker was acquired from LIGA MX's CF Monterrey for a reported $15 million.

Micael

Amid Maxi Falcón's knee injury, the Brazilian center back has emerged as Miami's main defensive pillar. Before the March international break, Micael scored the game-winner at NYCFC.

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What they’re saying

“The opening of Nu Stadium represents a significant milestone for Inter Miami, who are establishing permanent roots in the heart of Miami after playing their first few seasons in Fort Lauderdale.”

— Jaime Uribarri, Author

What’s next

Inter Miami will look to use the christening of Nu Stadium as further momentum following a five-game road swing to begin the campaign.

The takeaway

The opening of Nu Stadium is a major step forward for Inter Miami, who are building on their recent success under the leadership of Lionel Messi. The new stadium is expected to provide a boost to the club's ambitions as they look to cement their place as one of the top teams in MLS.