“Messi and Beckham together at the debut of the new stadium of Inter Miami.”

Inter Miami is preparing for a historic moment that will shake North American soccer: the debut of its own stadium, Nu Stadium, featuring a significant connection between two sports legends: David Beckham and Lionel Messi. This Thursday, the club trained for the first time on the pitch of the new stadium, a venue that promises to revolutionize MLS and mark the beginning of a new era for soccer in Miami.

The current MLS champion is about to inaugurate a stadium with a capacity of 26,700 spectators, located at Miami Freedom Park, which will host the match on Saturday against Austin FC. This event symbolizes the definitive farewell to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which served as a temporary home since the club entered the league in 2020. The stadium, built for $350 million near Miami International Airport, represents the long-awaited arrival of Inter Miami to the heart of the city, after six seasons away from the nerve center of Miami.

David Beckham, co-owner of the club and a key figure in the realization of the project, was one of the first to step onto the Bermuda grass pitch, cultivated specifically for the stadium and recently installed. Before the official training, he shared an emotional moment with Lionel Messi, clearly demonstrating the unity and ambition of the club.

This stadium is not just a sports infrastructure, but a masterpiece that celebrates the club’s identity. The stands adorned in pink, grey, and white, with the words “Inter Miami” in black on the lower seats, create a unique atmosphere. The fan area behind the goal showcases memorable images from the 2025 MLS Cup victory, among other iconic moments, and the club boasts the largest official MLS store, with over 11,000 square feet.

One of the highlights of the stadium is the unique tribute to Lionel Messi, with the creation of the “Leo Messi Stand,” a section named in honor of the Argentine star – a rare honor for an active player, reflecting the significance of the superstar to both the club and the league. Jorge Mas, the managing owner, highlighted the emotion of the moment: “I was talking to Leo about the stadium, the experience, and how he felt seeing the stand with his name when he came out of the tunnel. For an active player, this is unprecedented. It’s going to be extraordinary.”

The players enjoy spacious changing rooms, decorated in the iconic pink and black colors, complemented by LED lighting in shades of pink, reinforcing the visual identity and innovative spirit of the space.

Despite the excitement, coach Javier Mascherano remains grounded. Messi, who has only trained partially due to the fatigue from recent matches with the Argentine national team, remains uncertain for Saturday’s game after an intense week of travel. Mascherano warns against getting carried away by the emotions of the inauguration: “We need to manage our emotions. We cannot allow the festive atmosphere to distract us. We need to channel that positive energy into the game and ensure victory.” The team aims to continue the upward trajectory that began with the 3-2 victory over New York City FC before the international break.

Not everything is perfect at Nu Stadium. Some areas are still unpainted, and parking facilities are still under construction. On the day of the debut, only 4,500 parking spaces will be available, so the club is urging fans to use public transport, which is uncommon in the South Florida region. However, security is assured, and the organization is confident of a smooth event despite the logistical limitations.

Nu Stadium is not just a stadium; it is the symbol of a new era in American soccer, driven by global stars and an ambitious vision. The debut on Saturday will be an unmissable spectacle that promises to forever mark the history of Inter Miami and MLS. Get ready to witness the future of soccer in Miami, where Beckham, Messi, and the American dream come together on a stage of glory and passion.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.