Inter Miami and Austin FC draw in Nu Stadium opener

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez score in the match

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:52am

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Inter Miami and Austin FC played to a draw in the inaugural match at Inter Miami's new Nu Stadium. Despite being largely outplayed, Inter Miami was able to salvage a point thanks to a late goal from Luis Suarez after Lionel Messi had given them the lead earlier in the match.

Why it matters

This was the highly anticipated opening of Inter Miami's new stadium, Nu Stadium, which the club hopes will help establish them as a major force in MLS. The draw against a strong Austin FC side shows Inter Miami still has work to do to become an elite team, but the presence of superstars like Messi and Suarez gives them hope for the future.

The details

Inter Miami struggled to gain control of the match, with Austin FC dominating possession and creating more chances. However, Lionel Messi was able to give Inter Miami the lead with a well-taken goal in the first half. Austin FC equalized in the second half, but in the dying minutes, Luis Suarez scored a late goal to salvage a point for the home team.

  • The match took place on April 5, 2026.
  • Lionel Messi scored in the first half.
  • Austin FC equalized in the second half.
  • Luis Suarez scored the late equalizer for Inter Miami.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer superstar who joined Inter Miami in 2023.

Luis Suarez

Uruguayan striker who also joined Inter Miami in 2023 to play alongside Messi.

Austin FC

The opposing MLS team that played Inter Miami in the inaugural match at Nu Stadium.

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What they’re saying

“We're disappointed not to get the win, but a point against a tough Austin FC side is still a good result for us in our first match at Nu Stadium.”

— Phil Neville, Inter Miami Head Coach

“It was a hard-fought match and we're proud to have held our own against such a talented Inter Miami team. We'll take the point and look to build on this performance.”

— Josh Wolff, Austin FC Head Coach

What’s next

Inter Miami will look to build on this result as they continue their inaugural season at Nu Stadium, while Austin FC will aim to use this as a springboard to climb up the MLS standings.

The takeaway

Despite the draw, the opening of Nu Stadium represents an exciting new chapter for Inter Miami as they seek to establish themselves as an MLS powerhouse with the help of global superstars like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.