Inter Miami needed late heroics from Luis Suarez to salvage a point after being largely outplayed by Austin FC in a mixed inaugural showing at their brand new stadium. Lionel Messi, inevitably, grabbed a goal, but the visitors created the better chances throughout and Miami were fortunate to walk away with a 2-2 draw on opening night.
Austin tried to spoil the party early. They were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty inside 30 seconds, and Myrto Uzuni rattled the post from a free kick shortly after. They grabbed a deserved lead after six minutes. Guilherme Biro provided it, ghosting into the box and rising to meet a corner for a 1-0 advantage.
But Miami responded. Messi, of course, scored the first Miami goal in their new digs. Ian Fray floated a ball into the box, and Messi headed home past a stranded Brad Stuver. Austin had fewer chances for the remainder of the half but looked more threatening. Christian Ramirez came closest, rattling the post after a well-worked move.
Austin continued to threaten in the second half. The introduction of Jayden Nelson gave them an injection of pace at halftime, and the substitute provided their second goal, capping a well-worked counterattack.
This evening could not end with a Miami loss, though. A veteran made sure of it. Suarez reacted first to a flick-on from a corner and volleyed into an empty net.
Miami probed for a winner. Maxi Falcon missed a couple of chances late. Messi hit the bar. But a winner never quite came.
GOAL rates Inter Miami’s players from Nu Stadium…