Messi nets Inter Miami's first goal at Nu Stadium in draw vs. Austin
by Alex Butler · UPIMIAMI, April 4 (UPI) -- Argentine soccer icon Lionel Messi netted Inter Miami's first goal at Nu Stadium, but the Herons struggled to find footing in the facility's debut, leading to a 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Saturday in Miami.
Messi's 10th-minute score served as the first of two equalizers for the Herons in the $350 million stadium neighboring Miami International Airport.
Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas and David Beckham cut a ribbon to ceremoniously open Nu Stadium about three hours before kickoff of the matchup. Dust was literally still settling, with piles of dirt and construction equipment still present around the facility, as the first minutes ticked on the scoreboard inside the 26,700-seat structure.
Marc Anthony serenaded fans with the national anthem before Herons supporters showed off the improved acoustics of their new home with a steady drumbeat throughout the match.
Once play got underway, the Herons threatened, but were unable to connect on several early chances. A lack of fluidity in their midfield led to fizzled-out attacks and left them vulnerable in transition.
The Herons would outshoot their foes 27-8, dominate possession and hold an edge of nearly 300 in completed passes, but never held a scoring advantage.
Left back Guilherme Biro gave the Verde and Black an initial edge in the sixth minute. The Brazilian scored that goal when he beat Herons goalie Dayne St. Clair by heading in a corner kick from Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres.
Less than four minutes later, the Herons' eight-time Ballon d'Or winner leveled the match. Messi started the play with an entry pass to winger Telasco Segovia, who turned and sent another pass onto Ian Frey.
The right back brought the ball in near the end line and chipped a feed back through the box, finding a hovering Messi.
The Argentine pounced on the chance, smashing the ball into the right side of the net for his fifth goal in five games.
The game remained level at 1-1 through halftime. The Herons held an edge in possession of 61.1% to 38.9% during that span. They also out-passed the visitors 287-181 through 45 minutes.
The Verde and Black went ahead for a second time in the 53rd minute. Winger Jayden Nelson beat St. Clair with a right footed strike off the left post for that breakaway score. Forward Myrto Uzuni assisted the goal.
Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez equalized for the Herons less than 10 minutes after his second-half substitution.
Defender German Berterame headed a corner kick from winger Mateo Silvetti to set up that equalizer. Berterame's header went toward the far post, where Suarez finished with a left-footed volley from point-blank range.
Messi triggered gasps from the crowd with more opportunities down the stretch, including a free kick off the post in the 90th minute, but the Herons couldn't pull off a come-from-behind victory in their Nu Stadium debut.
The Herons (3-1-2) will host the New York Red Bulls (3-2-1) at 7:30 p.m. EDT April 11 in Miami. The Verde and Black (1-2-3) will host the Los Angeles Galaxy (1-2-2) at 2:30 p.m. April 11 in Austin.
Most successful Latin American soccer players of all time
Pelé, Brazil
Brazilian footballer Pelé attends a book signing for “Pelé: The Autobiography” at Waterstone’s on Oxford Street in London on May 21, 2006. He won a record three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962 and 1970) and scored more than 1,000 career goals, becoming one of the most influential athletes of the 20th century. Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo