Lionel Messi scored just 10 minutes into Inter Miami's debut at their long-awaited new stadium, heading in a goal in front of the newly christened Leo Messi Stand. The match against Austin FC ended in a 2-2 draw, with Austin defender Guilherme Biro opening the scoring before Messi's equalizer and Luis Suárez's late volley salvaging a point for the home side.

Austin twice hit the post and had a penalty appeal denied in the first half, then took the lead early in the second half through Jayden Nelson. Messi was dispossessed on the edge of the box, leading directly to Austin's second goal in a rare defensive lapse. Despite creating 18 scoring chances, Miami's performance disappointed coach Javier Mascherano, who called the first-half display a step backward after their previous win.

Saturday's match marked Miami's first home game since winning the MLS Cup and their first in Miami after six years in Fort Lauderdale. The 26,700-capacity stadium, part of the Miami Freedom Park complex, represents the culmination of David Beckham's vision since 2013 when he chose Miami for his expansion franchise. Beckham and MLS Commissioner Don Garber both emphasized the significance of finally opening the facility that Beckham had long promised to fans.