MLS is back following the international break, and Inter Miami CF returns to action for a landmark match: the official opening of their new Nu Stadium.
Javier Mascherano’s squad has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season with 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw and now host Austin FC at their brand-new home.
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Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi too reacted to the new stadium in a statement released by the club. “It’s spectacular, impressive… crazy,” he said.
While Messi is clearly excited for the home opener, his absence from Thursday’s training session did raise some eyebrows.
Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs Austin FC
The Argentinian forward is coming off a busy international break where he featured for the national team against Mauritania and Zambia. He stayed in scoring form, finding the back of the net with a late first-half goal in a dominant 5-0 win over Zambia.
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Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during the international friendly match between Argentina and Mauritania.Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images
(Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)
Addressing concerns regarding Messi’s absence from the squad’s training session, Mascherano offered an update to the media.
“We already had it planned that way. Keep in mind it hasn’t even been 48 hours since they finished playing. We only wanted them to move a little in a regenerative way,” he said, talking about the Argentinian, Noah Allen and Alex Shaw.
Mascherano also confirmed that the decision was entirely tactical. “Leo is fine, we are simply taking the usual care that we take with him.”
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The 38-year-old has already recorded four goals this season following a record-breaking 2025 campaign where he won the Golden Boot with 29 goals, powering the club to their first-ever MLS Cup title.
Currently third in the Eastern Conference, Miami will aim to extend Austin FC’s winless streak. The Los Verdes squad is winless in their last three MLS matches, having gone 0-2-1 (W-L-D) in that span. Their recent form includes a 0-0 draw against LAFC, a 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake, and a 3-1 loss to Charlotte FC.
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Meanwhile, Austin FC will look to secure a statement win against The Herons and maintain their unbeaten record against them.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.