Messi Scores as Miami Opens $500M Stadium After 13 Years

After 13 years of waiting, David Beckham's dream finally came true on a Saturday night in Miami when his soccer team played its first match in a world-class stadium that nearly didn't happen.

Lionel Messi made sure the moment was unforgettable. Just 10 minutes into the game against Austin FC, the Argentine legend headed in Inter Miami's first goal at Nu Stadium, sending pink glow sticks waving through a packed house of 26,700 fans.

The stadium features a stand named after Messi himself. He nearly scored the perfect Hollywood ending too, but his trademark free kick bounced off the post in the final minutes of a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Beckham's journey to this moment started in 2013 when he announced Miami as his choice for an MLS expansion team. Back then, he had no name, no fans, and no stadium.

The path forward was brutal. Construction delays, political battles, and community pushback pushed the timeline back year after year. Inter Miami had to play "home" games in Fort Lauderdale for over six years while waiting for approvals.

Even on opening night, construction wasn't finished. The team needed temporary civic approvals just to hold the match at Miami Freedom Park, a complex still very much under construction.

The Ripple Effect

What Beckham started is now changing American soccer. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Beckham didn't create soccer in the United States, but he "damn sure supercharged it."

Austin FC owner Matthew McConaughey wrote an open letter thanking Beckham for transforming MLS "from a proving ground to a premier destination." Other teams are now following Miami's playbook, bringing in global stars and building soccer-specific stadiums.

The sellout crowd got their money's worth. Music icon Marc Anthony performed the national anthem while Brazilian legend Ronaldo watched from the stands, a former Real Madrid teammate of Beckham's soaking in the moment.

Luis Suárez, at 39 years old, saved the day with a late volley to tie the match at 2-2. The Uruguayan came off the bench with nine minutes left and delivered exactly when his team needed him most.

Coach Javier Mascherano called it a "dream day" despite his frustration with the first-half performance. His championship team is still finding its rhythm this season but remains unbeaten in five straight MLS matches.

Next week, Inter Miami returns home to face the New York Red Bulls, and this time the celebration will feel less like a grand opening and more like coming home.