Lionel Messi scores as Miami opens long-awaited new stadium - ESPN

Lionel Messi needed just 10 minutes to score Inter Miami's first goal in their long-awaited new stadium, in front of a stand that bears his name, as his team played to an entertaining 2-2 draw with visiting Austin FC on Saturday.

Messi didn't score the first goal at Nu Stadium; that distinction went to Austin defender Guilherme Biro. The Argentine great soon made his mark, though, scoring a header four minutes after Biro's goal.

But Austin, who also hit post twice and had strong penalty appeal denied in the first half, looked set to spoil the party when it scored again early in the second half. In a rare sight, Messi was dispossessed on the edge of the opposition box and just over 10 seconds later Austin had the ball in the back of the Miami net, through Jayden Nelson.

— Saudi Pro League, MLS or elsewhere: Where could Salah go next?

Messi looked desperate to atone as Miami increased the pressure on Austin but after some sumptuous footwork had an effort repelled by goalkeeper Brad Stuver.

Instead it was another South American star who ensured that what Miami coach Javier Mascherano had called a «dream day» did not end on a somber note. With nine minutes of regulation time remaining and just a few minutes after Mascherano brought him off the substitutes' bench, 39-year-old Luis Suárez volleyed in from close range following a corner.

Still Messi came close to delivering a perfect finale for those fans watching on in the newly christened Leo Messi Stand and around the 26,700-capacity stadium, only to see one of his trademark free kicks come back off the post in the dying minutes.

Inter Miami (3-1-2) is now unbeaten in its last five MLS matches, and Austin (1-2-3) is now winless in its last four contests.

«This is a