Lionel Messi made a memorable entrance at Inter Miami’s dazzling new stadium, scoring a goal as the Major League Soccer champions fought to a 2-2 draw against Austin FC on Saturday.
Among the star-studded audience was Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham, as the club’s brand-new Nu Stadium, with a capacity of 26,000, opened its gates, signifying the culmination of a decade-long quest for a permanent base.
“To see this stadium become a reality, after so many years of effort to establish it in Miami, is incredibly special,” Beckham stated just prior to kick-off.
“I arrived in America and joined MLS 20 years ago, making several commitments. Thirteen years ago, I made more promises when I announced I would be coming to Miami.
“Today, it truly feels like a dream fulfilled for all of us.”
However, while the match commenced amid joyous celebrations, with Beckham participating in a pre-match ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside billionaire Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas, Austin had other ideas.
The Texan side, entering the match with just one victory from their previous five games, caught the home fans off guard by taking the lead after only six minutes. Guilherme Biro scored with a header from a corner delivered by Facundo Torres, pushing Austin ahead 1-0.
It didn’t take long for Messi to find his feet in the new setting.
Right-back Ian Fray made a surging run down the wing and delivered a cross, allowing Messi to equalise with a rare header, bringing the score to 1-1.
From that point, Inter Miami controlled possession and generated several scoring opportunities, with Mateo Silvetti coming close twice, once with a shot in the 34th minute and moments later heading wide.
Nonetheless, Austin’s tenacious defence and rapid counter-attacks continued to trouble the hosts, allowing them to regain the lead shortly after the 53-minute mark.
Messi lost possession deep in Austin’s half to Joseph Rosales, who quickly played in Myrto Uzuni. Uzuni then set up substitute Jayden Nelson, who found the back of the net.
With Miami increasingly anxious to turn the tide, coach Javier Mascherano brought on experienced striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute.
Suarez made an immediate impact, scoring just eight minutes later by tapping in from close range after a Messi corner was flicked on by German Berterame in the Austin defence.
In a heart-stopping moment, Suarez believed he had netted a dramatic winner when he tucked one in from close range following a free-kick from Messi that ricocheted off the crossbar, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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