Messi makes history with first goal at Inter Miami's new stadium

David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, joined a glamorous audience as the teams 26,000-seat Nu Stadium opened for the first time, signifying the conclusion of a journey lasting over ten years to secure a lasting venue.

"Seeing this stadium spring into action, following numerous years of efforts to establish it in Miami, feels truly remarkable," Beckham remarked just prior to the start of the game.

"Twenty years ago, I arrived in the United States for the MLS and offered many assurances. Thirteen years back, I repeated those promises when revealing my plans for Miami.

"Now, it is simply a realised dream for everyone involved."

Although the contest began amid festivities, including a ribbon-cutting ritual by Beckham and billionaire owner Jorge Mas of Inter Miami, the visitors from Austin declined to play along.

The side from Texas, entering with just a single victory in their previous five outings, shocked the local supporters when Guilherme Biro headed in a corner delivered by Facundo Torres after merely six minutes, putting the away team ahead 1-0.

Messi wasted little time in marking his debut goal at the new venue.

Full-back Ian Fray surged along the wing and supplied a cross for Messi, who levelled the score at 1-1 with an uncommon header.

From that point, Inter Miami controlled the ball and generated several opportunities, as Mateo Silvetti nearly scored with a strike in the 34th minute and then nodded over the bar four minutes later.

Nevertheless, Austins resilient backline and rapid breaks kept challenging the home side, and the visitors regained the advantage in the 53rd minute.

Messi lost possession in the opponents territory to Joseph Rosales, who passed to Myrto Uzuni, allowing the substitute Jayden Nelson to race clear and find the net.

As Miami grew more urgent, manager Javier Mascherano introduced experienced forward Luis Suarez around the 73rd minute mark.

The Uruguayan responded promptly, tapping in from near the goal line eight minutes afterwards, following a corner from Messi that was redirected by German Berterame amid the Austin rear guard.

Suarez believed he had netted a late decider by converting from close proximity after Messis free-kick rebounded off the frame, yet the effort was disallowed due to an offside call.