David Beckham's 13-year journey to bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami reached a milestone on April 4, as Inter Miami played its first league match at the new Nu Stadium.
What happened?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw against Austin FC, with Lionel Messi scoring his team's first goal and Luis Suarez equalizing for Inter Miami.
Austin FC's Guilherme Biro scored the stadium's first goal, while Jayden Nelson added a goal to push Inter Miami to the brink in the inaugural match.
Why it matters for David Beckham
Beckham and Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas addressed fans before the game, commemorating the dream they shared to reach this moment.
Beckham said, “When I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team.”
What comes next?
MLS commissioner Don Garber believes the stadium is the latest sign of growth for the league before the World Cup, with construction outside the stadium to be completed in the coming weeks.
Garber praised Beckham and Mas for their work in Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, calling it “absolutely spectacular” and a building that could rival any sports facility anywhere in the world.
And Garber believes the best is still yet to come, with Messi’s arrival sending Inter Miami and MLS to new heights with global recognition.
On April 4, Inter Miami managed a 2-2 draw, but the real victory was the successful debut of Nu Stadium, a testament to Beckham's perseverance and vision.
The stadium's completion is a significant step forward for Inter Miami, and with Messi on board, the team is poised for success in the MLS.
Beckham's celebrity helped MLS rise, and now Messi is taking the torch, showing the league to the world and attracting players from around the globe.