The wider picture
Major League Soccer finally played a match in Miami after nearly 30 years since the Miami Fusion aimed to play in the city. This historic moment unfolded on April 4, 2026, when Inter Miami CF hosted Austin FC at the newly inaugurated Nu Stadium. The match marked a significant milestone for soccer in Miami, a city that has long awaited a top-tier professional soccer team.
The game kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET, drawing attention from fans and media alike. Inter Miami entered the match with a record of three wins, one draw, and one defeat from their previous five matches, placing them third in the Eastern Conference standings. In contrast, Austin FC had recently held LAFC to a goalless draw, showcasing their defensive capabilities.
As the match commenced, excitement filled the air. Guilherme Biro opened the scoring for Austin FC in the 4th minute, giving the visitors an early lead. However, Inter Miami responded quickly, with Lionel Messi netting the equalizer in the 10th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd. The match was shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a vital win.
In the second half, Austin FC’s Jayden Nelson scored in the 53rd minute, once again putting the visitors ahead. Inter Miami, determined to fight back, found their equalizer late in the game when Luis Suarez scored in the 81st minute. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his pride in the team’s performance and the significance of the match, stating, “I believe in Miami, and Miami believed in us.” He added, “Dreams really do come true,” highlighting the long journey to bring Major League Soccer back to Miami.
Before the match, there were questions about Messi’s participation. Observers noted that his status would be confirmed when Inter Miami announced its starting lineup an hour before the match. His presence on the field undoubtedly added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
Looking ahead, both teams will analyze their performances as they prepare for upcoming matches. Inter Miami will aim to build on their strong start to the season, while Austin FC will seek to improve their standing after a solid showing against a formidable opponent. The draw leaves both teams with plenty to consider as they move forward in the league.
As the soccer community reflects on this historic match, it is clear that the rivalry between Inter Miami and Austin FC will continue to grow, promising more thrilling encounters in the future.