Inter Miami opens new Nu Stadium with Messi and Austin FC clash

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami look to christen their new home with a win over Austin FC.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:51pm

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Inter Miami will play their first-ever match at the brand-new Nu Stadium on Saturday night, as Lionel Messi and the club open a new chapter in their MLS journey. After winning the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup last season, expectations are high for Inter Miami to keep pushing for more trophies in their state-of-the-art new home. However, they'll face a tough test against the visiting Austin FC side.

Why it matters

The opening of Nu Stadium represents a major milestone for Inter Miami, who have spent their first six MLS seasons playing in the temporary confines of Fort Lauderdale. With world-class facilities and the star power of Lionel Messi, the club is poised to take the next step in their ambitions to become a dominant force in MLS.

The details

Inter Miami will officially bid farewell to their inaugural home in Fort Lauderdale and christen the brand-new Nu Stadium, a soccer-specific venue built to match the club's lofty aspirations. Head coach Javier Mascherano has praised the quality of the pitch and team facilities, believing they will provide a significant boost as Inter Miami look to defend their MLS Cup title.

  • Inter Miami will play their first-ever match at Nu Stadium on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The club spent their first six MLS seasons playing at the temporary Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The players

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine forward joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has helped the club win the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup in his first two seasons.

Javier Mascherano

The former Argentine international is the head coach of Inter Miami and has overseen the club's rapid rise since joining in 2024.

Austin FC

The visiting MLS club that will face off against Inter Miami in the inaugural match at Nu Stadium.

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What they’re saying

“The stadium is top-notch. The pitch is excellent for playing, and the locker rooms and all the team facilities are impressive. Now it's time for us to start enjoying it, and above all, to inaugurate it in the best way possible with a victory.”

— Javier Mascherano, Head Coach, Inter Miami

What’s next

Inter Miami will look to defend their MLS Cup title in the 2026 season, with the opening of Nu Stadium providing them with world-class facilities to help them achieve that goal.

The takeaway

The opening of Nu Stadium marks a new era for Inter Miami, as the club transitions from their temporary home in Fort Lauderdale to a state-of-the-art soccer-specific venue that will help them continue their rapid rise in MLS. With Lionel Messi leading the way, the expectations are high for Inter Miami to cement their status as one of the league's elite teams.