Lionel Messi leads historic shift as David Beckham opens Inter Miami’s $1 billion stadium and completes long journey

Lionel Messi gave fans a moment to remember on a big night for Inter Miami. The team finally played its first game at its new home stadium in Miami, and Messi made sure his name was part of history. He scored the club’s first goal at the venue, turning a special opening night into something even bigger.The goal came early in the match against Austin FC. Inter Miami had just gone behind, and the mood inside the stadium had suddenly dropped. But within minutes, Messi stepped in and changed everything. His goal not only brought the team back into the game, but also lifted the entire crowd during an emotional night.The match started with a surprise. Austin FC took the lead in the sixth minute when Guilherme Biro scored with a header. For a moment, it looked like the visitors would spoil the big occasion.But Messi responded quickly. In the 10th minute, he met a cross from Ian Fray and headed the ball into the net. It was a clean and simple finish, but the timing made it special. That goal became the first ever Inter Miami goal at the new stadium.Messi’s form has been strong this season. This was his fifth goal in just six MLS matches, showing he has carried his rhythm into the 2026 season.Before the match, David Beckham addressed the crowd along with club owners Jorge Mas and Jose Mas. It was a proud moment for them after years of planning and building.Beckham spoke about Messi and said, “the best player in the history of the game.” He also shared how much the club believed in the city. “We believed in Miami, and Miami believed in us,” he said.The new stadium is part of a much bigger project. The entire Miami Freedom Park area is expected to cost around $1 billion. The stadium itself will hold around 26,700 fans and is part of a large complex that includes parks, a hotel, shops, and training spaces.There is even a special section called the “Leo Messi Stand,” showing how important he is to the club.The game itself stayed close. Austin FC took the lead again through Jayden Nelson, but Inter Miami answered once more. Luis Suarez scored late in the match to make it 2-2.This match also marked a big change for the club. After spending years in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami has now officially started playing in Miami.For Beckham, this was more than just a football game. It was the result of years of work finally coming to life, with Messi right at the center of it.