Messi and Suárez shine in the opening of the new Inter Miami stadium, but cannot avoid a draw.

On a historic Saturday for football in Miami, Inter Miami made its debut at the new Nu Stadium in front of a passionate crowd of 26,700 spectators, in a match that promised spectacle and excitement. However, despite the electrifying atmosphere, Javier Mascherano’s team could not secure a comfortable victory, ending in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC, in a game marked by thrilling goals and moments of pure magic provided by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.

This was not an ordinary match. Before the kickoff, the audience witnessed a unique ceremony: the iconic singer Marc Anthony sang the U.S. national anthem with breathtaking intensity, while David Beckham, one of the club’s legends, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the stadium. This scene symbolizes a new chapter for the club, leaving behind its former covered field in Fort Lauderdale to establish roots in the heart of Miami.

The game began frantically, with Austin FC scoring first. In the sixth minute, Guilherme Biro took advantage of a lapse in Miami’s defense and, alone in the box, headed the ball accurately into the back of the net, opening the scoring and also marking the first goal at the new stadium. However, the Herons’ response was swift. Lionel Messi, as always, orchestrated a sublime play with 15 consecutive passes, culminating in a perfect header that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance, equalizing the score and marking Inter Miami’s first goal at Nu Stadium.

The balance was maintained until halftime, but it was Austin FC that returned from the break stronger, with Jayden Nelson leading a fast-paced play that ended with a goal to put the visitors ahead in the 53rd minute. But Uruguayan star Luis Suárez, coming off the bench, showed why he is still a valuable asset. In a moment of pure opportunism, he finished off a corner kick with class to restore parity and calm the fervent crowd.

Despite Miami’s dominant possession, the team struggled to break through the opponent’s compact defense. Messi hit the crossbar twice with free-kick attempts, and Maxi Falcón missed a header from close range in stoppage time, highlighting that offensive imbalance continues to be a challenge for the club.

The question lingering in the air is: can Luis Suárez be the solution to Inter Miami’s finishing problems in 2026? Although the team has invested over $15 million in the signing of Germán Berterame, who has yet to score in eight games, it is the veteran Uruguayan who has been responding better. With two goals in just 128 minutes across four games this season, Suárez maintains his effectiveness even with reduced mobility at 39 years old. This reality complicates matters for Mascherano, who will have to decide whether to rely on the experienced Suárez or continue trusting the expensive reinforcement who has yet to find the back of the net.

With the debut at Nu Stadium now behind them, Inter Miami is now preparing to host Red Bull New York next Saturday, a team led by the experienced Michael Bradley, in a match that promises to be a crucial test for Messi, Suárez, and company in their journey in the MLS.

The debut at the new stadium is just the beginning of a new era for Inter Miami, where the blend of veteran stars and young talents promises to shake up the season and win over fans in one of the most vibrant cities in American soccer. The challenge is set, and the world will be watching every move of this team that aims to make a mark in 2026.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.