Messi shines as inter miami debuts in miami

On a historic night in Miami, Lionel Messi delivered the goods, leading Inter Miami to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Austin FC in the club's long-awaited stadium debut.

Messi and suárez steal the show

The Argentine superstar opened the scoring with a brilliant header in the 10th minute, silencing the crowd and setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle.

Austin FC struck back through Guilherme Biro in the 6th, but Messi's equalizer in the 14th set the stage for an electrifying encounter.

After Austin's Jayden Nelson put the visitors ahead in the 53rd, Inter Miami refused to fold, with Luis Suárez hammering home the equalizer with a stunning volley in the 82nd minute.

In a night filled with drama and heart-stopping moments, Messi nearly had the winner in stoppage time, forcing a save from Austin keeper Brad Stuver. The draw extended Inter Miami's unbeaten streak to five matches, while Austin remains winless in four.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber was on hand to witness the spectacle, praising the growth of the league and crediting David Beckham for his role in bringing Inter Miami to life.