Lionel Messi Shines in Inter Miami's Historic Match at Home Stadium
Messi's Impact in Miami
In a remarkable debut at his new home ground in Miami, Lionel Messi scored within just 10 minutes during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against Austin FC. This match marked the first time Inter Miami played in its namesake city after spending over six years in Fort Lauderdale. The stadium, which is still under construction, has a seating capacity of 26,700.
With this result, Inter Miami (3-1-2) remains unbeaten in its last five MLS games, while Austin FC (1-2-3) has not secured a win in their last four matches. Messi's impressive header not only contributed to the scoreline but also brought him closer to the significant milestone of 1,000 career goals, as he now stands at 903.
🚨 Lionel Messi is now just 97 goals away from 1000 career goals. 🤯🐐 pic.twitter.com/0kgrSGlYus
— MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) April 5, 2026
LIONEL MESSI HAS SCORED GOAL NUMBER 903. WHAT A HEADER FROM THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME. 😳 pic.twitter.com/zIXhVA3Qha
— MC (@CrewsMat10) April 5, 2026
As Messi embarks on the concluding phase of his illustrious career, he recently shared insights with ESPN about his journey. He expressed his competitive nature, stating, "I've always been driven to win, and I strive to achieve that. Despite facing challenges, I persistently aim for excellence." He reflected on the pressures of playing for prestigious clubs like Barcelona and Paris, emphasizing the constant expectation to succeed.
Regarding Argentina's prospects in upcoming competitions, Messi praised the team's talent and mentality, highlighting the influence of coach Lionel Scaloni. He noted, "We have exceptional players who are eager to win, and this enthusiasm is evident in our training and matches. The camaraderie within the team is a significant asset, and new players integrate seamlessly into this environment." He concluded by stressing the importance of capitalizing on their recent World Cup victory to build confidence for future challenges.