Messi scores Inter Miami’s first goal at Nu Stadium, answers Austin FC’s opener

Lionel Messi may not have scored the first goal at Inter Miami’s new Nu Stadium, but he scored the home club’s first goal.

Four minutes after Guilherme Biro spoiled Inter Miami’s party with a sixth-minute header from a corner kick, Messi answered to restart the celebration. Miami’s No. 10 scored in the 10th minute with a header of his own, timing a late run and his movement through the box to perfection to meet Ian Fray’s cross from the right. The goal was Messi’s fifth on the MLS season in his sixth match.

Messi, as per usual, got the loudest ovation during pregame introductions, and also had praise reserved for him from David Beckham, who addressed fans from the field flanked by Inter Miami co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas and thanked the Argentine icon before claiming the club has the “best player in the history of the game playing in Miami.”

It was only fitting, then, that Messi did the honors on his new stadium’s opening night, even if it came in the form of an equalizer and not an opener.

It was ALWAYS going to be him. 💥

Leo Messi scores Miami’s first goal at Nu Stadium and pulls the hosts level! pic.twitter.com/p1mDk5NQk2

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 5, 2026

HISTORY WRITTEN. ✍️

The first goal at Nu Stadium belongs to @AustinFC‘s Guilherme Biro! pic.twitter.com/1OHEoyNdXQ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 5, 2026

Messi now has the distinction of playing in a stadium that bears his name on the arena signage, with a portion on the Nu Stadium’s east side dedicated as the “Leo Messi Stand.” Hours before the game, fans made their way to the area for a photo op, while the seats, which are no different to any other sections around the stadium save for the supporters’ stand, were full.