Turns out, even a decade-long wait for a stadium and the presence of football royalty can't guarantee a clean sheet. Inter Miami, co-owned by none other than David Beckham, officially unveiled their shiny new 26,000-capacity Nu Stadium with a 2-2 draw against Austin FC.
Beckham, looking every bit the proud dad at a school play, called the stadium's debut a "dream come true." Which, if you consider the club spent over ten years trying to find a permanent home, is probably an understatement. He'd made promises about bringing MLS to Miami 13 years ago, and finally, there it was. All very special, he said. We'll take his word for it.
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony that presumably involved oversized scissors and plenty of smiles, the game kicked off. Austin FC, clearly unimpressed by the pomp and circumstance, decided to spoil the party early. Guilherme Biro netted a goal just six minutes in, making it 1-0. Because, apparently, that's what you do when you're the away team at a grand opening.
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Start Your News DetoxBut this is Inter Miami. And they have Lionel Messi. Four minutes later, a cross from Ian Fray found the GOAT, who promptly headed it in, tying the game at 1-1. The crowd, having collectively held their breath, could finally exhale.
Miami dominated possession, knocking on Austin's door multiple times. Mateo Silvetti even had a couple of shots that just missed. But Austin's defense was stout, and their counter-attacks were sharper than a freshly ironed suit. In the 53rd minute, Messi lost the ball (yes, it happens), and Jayden Nelson seized the opportunity, putting Austin up 2-1.
Coach Javier Mascherano, clearly deciding it was time for the big guns, brought on veteran striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute. Eight minutes later, Suarez, proving he still has the touch, tapped in a goal after a Messi corner kick and a flick-on from German Berterame. Game tied again, 2-2.
Suarez thought he'd sealed the deal, putting another ball in the net after a Messi free-kick clanged off the post. But alas, the offside flag went up, denying Miami a winning start. A draw it was. Still, not a bad way to break in the new digs, with a few goals and enough drama to keep everyone talking.
