‘We’re home’: Even in a draw, Inter Miami’s stadium opener was a win for David Beckham

Nu Stadium was awaiting an occupancy certificate until hours before first kick. Photograph: Leonardo Fernandez/MLS/Getty Images Lionel Messi may have scored, captained the side and had a quarter of the new building named in his honor, but this was unmistakably Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham’s night. The inaugural game at Nu Stadium in Miami – an entertaining 2-2 draw with Austin FC – was the culmination of the former England captain’s arduous, thirteen-year odyssey to first establish an MLS team in Miami, then fill it with superstars, win major honors and, critically, build a world class arena for the team to play in.

“I came to America and MLS twenty years ago with a dream – to win championships, to help grow the game of soccer that I love so much, and one day, to build a club of my own. ” he said, addressing fans from the field prior to kick off. “We had no name.

We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today I stand in our new home.

We are the champions of MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. ” Related: Don Garber hits back at Egypt executive who warned Salah against MLS move This was his victory lap.