Messi, Inter Miami Train at Nu Stadium Ahead of Opener

Owner Jorge Mas confident new venue will be ready for first match.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:57pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a soccer match in progress, with players and the field rendered in overlapping planes of bright colors.A cubist interpretation of the action on the pitch as Messi and Inter Miami train at the unfinished Nu Stadium, hinting at the energy and anticipation surrounding the team's home debut.Today in Miami

With the area around Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park still under construction, Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has assured fans that the new venue will be ready for the team's season opener. Superstar Lionel Messi and his new Inter Miami teammates have been training at the unfinished stadium in preparation for their first match.

Why it matters

The opening of Nu Stadium is a highly anticipated event for Miami sports fans, as it will serve as the home for David Beckham's Inter Miami CF club. The $1 billion Miami Freedom Park development, which includes the new stadium, has faced delays but is expected to transform the city's skyline and bring top-level soccer to South Florida.

The details

Despite the ongoing construction around the perimeter, Inter Miami has been able to access the playing field at Nu Stadium to hold training sessions. Owner Jorge Mas has stated that the 25,000-seat venue will be fully operational in time for the team's first match, which is scheduled for April 18th.

  • Inter Miami began training at Nu Stadium in late March 2026.
  • The team's season opener is scheduled for April 18, 2026.

The players

Jorge Mas

The co-owner of Inter Miami CF and the driving force behind the $1 billion Miami Freedom Park development that includes Nu Stadium.

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine soccer player who recently signed with Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

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What they’re saying

“We're confident Nu Stadium will be ready for our first match. The construction crew is working around the clock to get everything in place.”

— Jorge Mas, Co-owner, Inter Miami CF

What’s next

Inter Miami will continue training at Nu Stadium in the lead-up to their season opener on April 18th. The team and city officials will be closely monitoring the construction progress to ensure the venue is fully operational in time.

The takeaway

The opening of Nu Stadium represents a major milestone for soccer in Miami, as it will provide a world-class home for Inter Miami CF and help elevate the city's profile as a destination for top-tier international talent like Lionel Messi.