Messi, Suarez score as Inter Miami settles for tie in Nu Stadium grand opening

Beckham, Mas brothers celebrate new stadium's debut with star-studded match

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:33am

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After years of planning and construction, Inter Miami CF officially opened its new Nu Stadium with a star-studded match featuring Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The highly anticipated grand opening ended in a 2-2 draw, as the home team settled for a tie in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Why it matters

The opening of Nu Stadium marks a major milestone for the young MLS franchise, which has faced numerous challenges in establishing a permanent home. The ability to attract global superstars like Messi and Suarez is a sign of Inter Miami's growing stature and ambition to compete with the league's elite clubs.

The details

Inter Miami owners David Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Jose Mas presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Nu Stadium. The match itself saw Messi and Suarez each score a goal for the home side, but they were unable to secure the victory in front of the enthusiastic crowd.

  • Nu Stadium officially opened on April 5, 2026.
  • The grand opening match took place on the same day as the stadium's debut.

The players

David Beckham

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and a legendary former soccer player.

Jorge Mas

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and a prominent Miami businessman.

Jose Mas

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and Jorge Mas's brother.

Lionel Messi

Superstar forward who recently joined Inter Miami CF after a storied career with Barcelona and the Argentine national team.

Luis Suarez

Veteran striker who also joined Inter Miami CF, reuniting with his longtime teammate Messi.

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What they’re saying

“This is a proud day for our club and our city. We've worked hard to make this dream a reality, and we're excited to welcome the world to Nu Stadium.”

— Jorge Mas, Co-owner, Inter Miami CF

“It's an honor to be part of this historic moment. We're grateful to the fans who have supported us from the beginning, and we're committed to bringing them a winning team that will make them proud.”

— David Beckham, Co-owner, Inter Miami CF

What’s next

Inter Miami will host its first MLS regular season match at Nu Stadium on April 12, 2026, welcoming the defending champions.

The takeaway

The grand opening of Nu Stadium represents a significant milestone for Inter Miami CF, which has overcome numerous obstacles to establish a permanent home and attract world-class talent. The team's ability to draw a star-studded roster and energize its fan base suggests a bright future for the young franchise.