Austin FC vs Inter Miami score: 4 takeaways as Verde draw with Lionel Messi in Nu Stadium

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 04: Ilie Sanchez #6 of Austin FC is challenged by Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Austin FC at Nu Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images) (Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images) It’s going to be interesting to see what Austin FC can do once it finally gets healthy. Playing without starting midfielders Owen Wolff and Dani Pereira for the third straight match Saturday, the Verde & Black once again produced a draw with one of the best clubs in MLS.

And though a scoreless draw at home two weeks prior against LAFC was impressive, tying Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami — who are also the defending league champions — 2-2 on the road in the opening of the club’s new stadium is Austin FC’s signature performance of 2026 so far. Not only was Austin FC, who received goals from Guilherme Biro and Jayden Nelson, the better side for most of the match, it did so with a starting lineup that may not be repeated the rest of the league season. Here are some key takeaways from the contest as Austin FC (1-2-3, 6 points) returns home Saturday to face the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Austin FC contained Lionel Messi It’s not possible to stop Messi, yet Austin FC contained him about as well as a club can. Sure, he scored a goal in the first half on a well-timed run in the box and clinical header, got off other threatening shots and burned some Verde & Black players on the dribble a few times. But he didn’t dominate the Verde & Black’s backline like has others in MLS.

“We had a plan defensively of always (having two players) against him,” Austin FC coach Nico Estévez said. “I think everyone had a great effort in that. We said it doesn’t matter who, but someone has to be there to help.