Image Credits: Imago Images
There was much excitement for everyone connected to Inter Miami as they unveiled their new brand-new stadium.
Raising the curtain on their new home after six years playing at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami were thrown straight back to reality when they found themselves behind just six minutes in against Austin.
It took just four minutes for Lionel Messi to respond however, as the Argentinian superstar headed home from a deflected cross in the 10th minute.
Austin then went back ahead through Jayden Nelson in the 53rd minute after a swift counterattack led to a shot being rattled off the post and in.
Former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez then came up with an 82nd minute equalizer to ensure Inter Miami’s first game at the Nu Stadium didn’t end in complete disappointment.
The Uruguayan then nearly saw his effort decide the game for the home side but after scrambling the ball over the line the linesman raised hi flag for offside amidst the mayhem.
Luis Suarez signed for Inter Miami in December 2023 after departing Brazilian side Gremio. He has since gone on to score 31 goals in 58 games for the MLS outfit as he enjoys the twilight years of his career.
The unveiling of Nu Stadium is big not only for Miami, but also American football, as they prepare to host the World Cup this summer.
An interesting part to mention about Inter Miami’s new stadium relates to one of Luis Suarez’s former teammates and one of his great friends Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi has brought significant revenue into the club and Inter Miami have honoured one of the great players to ever play the game by naming the east stand after him within the stadium.
It is a unique case in world sport where an active player has a stand named after him at his home stadium.
In a club statement, relayed by The Athletic, Inter Miami wrote: “Recognising someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes it is about realising you are witnessing something unique.”
The draw leaves Inter Miami in fourth place within the MLS Eastern Conference.
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