Speculation reached a fever pitch during yesterday’s training session after Messi sat out the final drills, casting doubt on his status for the stadium’s grand opening.

However, head coach Javier Mascherano quickly cleared the air, explaining that the move was a pre-planned rest period due to the workload Messi carried while representing Argentina during the March FIFA international break.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

Having confirmed that Messi is in peak physical condition, Mascherano will lean on the Argentine icon to lead the squad for the Nu Stadium opener. With the captain cleared to play, the Argentine coach will have a full-strength roster at his disposal for today’s historic clash.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup to face Austin FC: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, David Ayala; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti.

Messi looking to lead Inter Miami this season

After a surprising early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the first round against Nashville SC, Inter Miami are under pressure to deliver a standout MLS campaign to satisfy their supporters.

With Messi at the helm, the Herons have already shown signs of dominance in the opening weeks. In just four matches played during the 2026 MLS season, the Argentine icon has netted four goals, leading the team to three victories. Their only setback so far was a narrow defeat in the season opener against LAFC.

Messi enters the 2026 season with a historic target in his sights: becoming the first player to win three consecutive MLS regular season MVP awards. After securing the Landon Donovan MLS MVP trophy in both 2024 and 2025, he has already made history as the first player to win it back-to-back.

The opening half saw Austin dominate early possession and create clear chances, but Inter Miami grew into the game after Messi’s goal. Both teams had opportunities, with shots rattling the post and goalkeepers making key saves to keep the score level.

In the second half, both sides made several substitutions to inject fresh energy. Inter Miami pushed hard for the win, while Austin FC remained dangerous on the counter. In the end, the match finished 2-2, marking an exciting debut in the MLS for Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

Reports indicate that demand for tickets has been extremely high, with the club projecting a near sell-out atmosphere for the long-awaited first game in their new home, which has cost several million dollars.

This marks a major step forward for Lionel Messi‘s club, who have spent recent seasons playing in a smaller temporary venue before finally moving into a permanent soccer-specific stadium in Miami.

How many people will attend Nu Stadium?

Nu Stadium will host 26,700 fans for the Inter Miami vs Austin FC opener, with the venue expected to operate at or very close to full capacity for its inaugural match. This figure represents the stadium’s official seating capacity at Miami Freedom Park.

The anticipation around the opening night has been massive, with strong ticket demand reported in the buildup to kickoff. Multiple local reports indicate that the club is preparing for a near sell-out environment, as fans rush to be part of the first-ever match at the new venue against Austin FC.

The opening is also a statement moment. After years of playing in a temporary setup in Fort Lauderdale, the move into a 26,700-seat soccer-specific stadium reflects the club’s rapid growth in popularity and commercial reach, especially following its recent on-field success and global attention.

Inter Miami could play at Nu Stadium under restrictions if permit is delayed

Inter Miami’s game could be played under a limited event permit with restrictions if Nu Stadium does not receive its temporary certificate of occupancy in time. According to a report from Andy Slater, city officials are working to approve the necessary documentation, but contingency plans are already in place.

As outlined by local authorities, the City of Miami is “working diligently” with stadium representatives to issue the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) ahead of the inaugural match.

However, if that approval is not finalized, officials can authorize the event under a limited-use permit, which would allow the match to proceed but under specific conditions. This type of permit is commonly used in similar situations when venues are not fully cleared for standard operations.

Those conditions could include restricted hours, limited capacity, operational constraints and additional safety precautions, all designed to ensure compliance while still hosting the event.

Is Nu Stadium sold out for Inter Miami vs Austin FC?

Yes! Nu Stadium is essentially sold out for the Inter Miami CF vs Austin FC opener. The club’s new home officially opens on April 4, 2026 and only very limited (if any) inventory remained in the days leading up to kickoff.

The atmosphere is expected to be one of the most intense in MLS this season. The combination of a brand-new venue, a packed crowd and a high-profile opponent has created a “big-game” environment even before kickoff.

Will Lionel Messi play in the Nu Stadium opener?

Lionel Messi is expected to play in the Nu Stadium opener against Austin FC, with Inter Miami staff confirming he is in good condition and available for selection despite minor fitness management earlier in the week.

Manager Javier Mascherano has stated that Messi “looked good” physically and is expected to feature barring any last-minute issues. The Argentine superstar had sparked brief concern after being rested during part of a recent training session due to workload control following international duty.

However, those concerns were quickly downplayed internally, with the club emphasizing that the decision was precautionary rather than injury-related. His presence is central to the significance of the night, as the opening of Nu Stadium represents a defining moment.

[Watch Inter Miami vs Austin in the USA on Apple TV]

Inter Miami enter this matchup riding high after a thrilling 3-2 victory that pulled them within three points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC, with Lionel Messi continuing to drive their surge.

Meanwhile, Austin FC are still searching for answers with just five points from five games, making this a crucial opportunity for Miami to keep climbing the standings while Austin fights to keep their playoff hopes alive.

When will the Inter Miami vs Austin match be played?

Inter Miami will face off against Austin this Saturday, April 4, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs Austin: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Austin in the USA

Tune Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and Austin live in the USA.

However, manager Javier Mascherano quickly downplayed any injury concerns, citing workload management following the international break. “Neither Leo, Noah Allen, nor Alex Shaw—the players who saw the most minutes on Tuesday—were planned to participate in the full session. We only wanted them to do some regenerative movement… Leo is fine; we are just taking the logical precautions we take with everyone,” Mascherano explained to reporters.

Inter Miami will make their long-awaited debut at NU Stadium this Saturday, April 4, for Matchday 6 of the MLS season. The club is desperate to ensure its superstar is part of the historic ribbon-cutting, especially after his schedule with the Argentina national team during the March FIFA window.

Mascherano confirms Messi’s status vs Austin FC

For fans who have waited years for the new stadium to become a reality, a Messi absence would be a significant blow. Fortunately, Mascherano provided a reassuring update, barring any late setbacks.

“He looked good—the reality is that, physically, they have no issues whatsoever. And barring any unforeseen complications, he will be playing on Saturday,” Mascherano confirmed.

Messi’s performance during the March FIFA window

Messi returns to Florida following a productive international break with Argentina, having featured in both of the world champions’ recent fixtures. In the first match, a 2–1 victory over Mauritania, the captain saw significant action after coming on for the entire second half.

Following that narrow win, manager Lionel Scaloni opted to start Messi in the subsequent 5–0 rout of Zambia. The No. 10 put on a stellar performance, providing the assist for the opening goal and scoring the second himself. The match served as an emotional send-off for the squad on Argentine soil before they depart for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Fans organized under the “Save the Crew” banner, launching a grassroots campaign that utilized social media, public demonstrations, and community outreach. The movement highlighted the Crew’s historical significance as one of MLS’s original teams, emphasizing the loss the league and the city of Columbus would face if the team were relocated. The campaign garnered widespread support not only from the local community but also from other MLS teams and supporters, showcasing the power of collective advocacy.

In a major victory for the movement, the MLS board of governors approved the sale of the Columbus Crew to local investors in late 2018. The new ownership group, led by Pete Edwards and other Columbus-based investors, committed to keeping the team in Columbus. This commitment was further solidified with the opening of Lower.com Field, a new stadium in downtown Columbus, in 2021. The “Save the Crew” movement is celebrated for its success in preventing the relocation of a beloved franchise and demonstrating the impact of fan dedication in professional sports.

Good Day Columbus Bashes Anthony Precourt

To kick off their August 26th episode, ABC’s Good Day Columbus panel celebrated the Columbus Crew’s Leagues Cup victory by inviting the whole squad and taking two minutes to detail the club’s success after Anthony Precourt sold the team.

Worse yet for Precourt, the panel mentioned the growing ills of Austin FC, who, despite enormous fan support and an amazing stadium, has been in MLS obscurity, failing to reach the playoffs in two of its three seasons.

The staff at Good Day Columbus offered Precourt a “participation” ribbon as the panel highlighted the championships the Crew have won in their history. The Columbus Crew are winners of three MLS Cups, as well as one U.S. Open Cup and two international titles.

Steve Cherundolo’s team advanced to the Round of 16, facing either Necaxa or the San Jose Earthquakes on August 13, at BMO Stadium. LAFC, currently in second place in the MLS Western Conference, secured their third clean sheet in the last four games.

Austin FC, who finished first in Group A of the Leagues Cup, failed to extend their unbeaten streak of three games across all competitions. The Texan team will now focus on MLS, where they are in tenth place in the Western Conference.

[Watch LAFC vs Austin FC live in the USA on Apple TV]

Los Angeles FC entered the Leagues Cup as heavy favorites to top their group. However, a surprising penalty shootout loss to Vancouver Whitecaps saw them slip to second place. Despite this setback, they remain a formidable contender for the title, eager to prove their championship mettle in the upcoming match.

Their opponents, Austin FC, have been one of the tournament’s standout teams, pulling off impressive victories against Pumas UNAM and Monterrey. Though they are not favored in this clash, Austin FC‘s strong group stage performance underscores their potential to make a significant impact as the competition progresses.

When will the LAFC vs Austin FC match be played?

Los Angeles FC will clash with Austin FC in the 2024 Leagues Cup round of 32 this Wednesday, August 7. The highly anticipated matchup kicks off at 10:30 PM (ET).

LAFC vs Austin FC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:30 PM
CT: 9:30 PM
MT: 8:30 PM
PT: 7:30 PM

How to watch LAFC vs Austin FC in the USA

Prepare for an electrifying clash as LAFC take on Austin FC in the 2024 Leagues Cup. Watch the action live on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass, or tune in on Fubo and Fox Sports for other viewing options.

[Watch Monterrey vs Austin live in the USA on Apple TV]

In the fiercely competitive Group 1 of the West Zone, the battle for the knockout stage spots in the Leagues Cup is heating up. With three teams closely matched in skill, the competition is intense. Austin FC kicked off their campaign with a surprising 3-2 victory over Pumas UNAM, defying the odds and putting themselves on the brink of advancing. This impressive win has left them just one victory shy of securing a spot in the next round.

However, Austin FC face a formidable challenge ahead. Their next opponent, Monterrey, boasts significant experience in international tournaments and is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the Leagues Cup title. The Rayados are poised to demonstrate their pedigree and pose a tough test for Austin FC, making the path to the knockout stages anything but easy.

When will the Monterrey vs Austin match be played?

Monterrey are gearing up to face Austin FC for the Matchday 2 of the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage this Tuesday, July 30. The high-stakes action is set to begin at 9:00 PM (ET).

Monterrey vs Austin: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Monterrey vs Austin in the USA

Don’t miss the intense 2024 Leagues Cup clash as Monterrey face Austin, streaming live on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass. Other option: Fubo, Univision NOW, Fox Sports, TUDN, UniMás.

[Watch Pumas UNAM vs Austin live in the USA on Apple TV]

The highly anticipated Leagues Cup, a premier Concacaf team tournament, is set to kick off, featuring the top teams from the region’s two most prestigious leagues. This year’s competition seeks a new champion to succeed Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami, who claimed the title in 2023.

In a compelling clash, Pumas UNAM, a dominant force in Liga MX, will face off against Austin FC, currently positioned 10th in the Western Conference and vying for the last postseason spots. Despite their contrasting standings, the unpredictable nature of soccer ensures that this match could swing in either team’s favor.

When will the Pumas UNAM vs Austin FC match be played?

Pumas UNAM are set to clash with Austin FC in the opening match of the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage this Friday, July 26, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Pumas UNAM vs Austin FC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Pumas UNAM vs Austin FC in the USA

Catch the electrifying 2024 Leagues Cup showdown between Pumas UNAM and Austin FC, streaming live on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass.

Messi will most likely miss the entire tournament due to an ankle injury picked up in the final of the 2024 Copa America. Defending champions Inter Miami still have a competitive side to potentially win back-to-back titles, but from a commercial standpoint, the absence of Messi diminishes the Leagues Cup’s appeal.

Now the competition may face another obstacle as some MLS club supporters’ groups are threatening to boycott matches, with Austin FC’s Austin Anthem being the second to make it official.

Why are MLS supporters boycotting Leagues Cup?

In the case of Austin FC’s Austin Anthem, the boycott of the Leagues Cup stems from MLS’ decision to abandon the US Open Cup this season. All but eight MLS teams were removed from the competition, citing “schedule congestion”.

Immediately following this announcement, fans and supporters called for a return to the US Open Cup and criticized the Leagues Cup, which is viewed as primarily a money-making opportunity for MLS and Liga MX.

Supporters Clubs of St. Louis CITY SC also announced in March that they would boycott the tournament after their club was removed from the US Open Cup by MLS.

The conflict between US Soccer and MLS over the US Open Cup revolves around exposure and profit sharing. MLS feels it is not adequately compensated for its clubs’ participation in the tournament. A deal to have MLS return in full to the tournament is still being negotiated for 2025.