Inter Miami has officially launched Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, with co-owner Sir David Beckham announcing the opening on Instagram. The club’s first MLS home game at this venue takes place tonight against Austin FC, starting at 7:30 PM local time (12:30 AM UK time on Sunday, April 5).
Beckham posted photos of himself on the pitch, greeting Lionel Messi, and playing with club staff. He expressed his excitement on social media, saying, “So exciting to see our players and fans together in Miami Freedom Park for the first time. The open training session was great… bring on Saturday now.”
The open training session on Friday featured Messi, Luis Suarez, and former Manchester United player Sergio Reguilon using the pitch, with fans in attendance. Tonight’s match against Austin FC marks the first official game at the new stadium.
What is Nu Stadium?
Nu Stadium was built at an estimated cost of $350 million, according to the Miami Herald. It is named after a sponsorship deal with Brazilian digital bank Nu. The stadium accommodates 26,700 fans and replaces Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which Inter Miami had used since its inception as an MLS club.
The new venue is part of the Miami Freedom Park development, which was announced in 2023 and aims to include parks, hotels, and commercial spaces. Notably, the east stand has been named the Leo Messi Stand, marking the first time an active player in global football has a stand named after him while still playing.
Messi shared his thoughts on the stadium in a video posted by Inter Miami, calling it “spectacular, impressive… crazy,” and emphasizing the significance of having the stadium ready in such a short time.
Beckham’s Journey from a $25m Option to a $350m Stadium
The opening of Nu Stadium marks the end of a journey that started not with construction, but with a clause in a 2007 MLS contract. When Beckham joined LA Galaxy, his deal included an option to purchase an MLS expansion franchise for $25 million. He activated this option in 2014, and Inter Miami officially joined MLS in 2018, starting play in 2020. Beckham is co-owner alongside José Mas, with Jorge Mas as Managing Owner.
This initial $25 million option has led to the creation of a club with a stadium costing fourteen times that amount to build, making it a remarkable investment in professional sports.
What This Means for MLS
Many believe MLS has been struggling to compete globally for top football talent. The rise of the Saudi Pro League has drawn attention and investment, attracting big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Nu Stadium represents a different approach: while countries like Saudi Arabia buy players, Miami is focused on building long-term infrastructure with a $350 million stadium integrated into a larger development. This signals a lasting commitment that salaries alone cannot provide.
Tonight’s opening reinforces this message. The stadium is launched by a renowned football figure who is also the owner, and the first competitive game features Messi, who has a stand named after him.
Messi has already led Inter Miami to numerous titles, scoring his 900th professional goal for the club in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville, although they were eliminated on away goals. He has achieved 82 goals and 53 assists in 94 appearances across all competitions.
Inter Miami currently ranks third in the MLS Eastern Conference with three wins, one draw, and one loss after five matches. Their only loss was a 3-0 defeat to LAFC at the start of the season, but their form has improved since then aside from the CONCACAF Champions Cup disappointment.
The Manchester United Connection and Gary Neville’s Instagram Comment
For Manchester United supporters, tonight holds significance beyond the game. Beckham is one of the club’s most celebrated former players, maintaining a strong bond with Old Trafford. With this stadium opening, he has overseen every aspect of a major football venue, including planning, financing, and delivery, all completed in under three years.
Gary Neville’s comment on Beckham’s Instagram post, represented by three hearts, is notable. As a member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, Neville has voiced concerns over what he sees as a decade of inaction regarding the stadium’s condition. He believes United must aim for the best stadium in the world, naming Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the standard to reach.
Neville has also pointed out how his property development experience might influence this process, indicating the importance of modernizing the club’s facilities.
The two have a long history that goes beyond their time as teammates, joining forces to develop Salford City over more than a decade. Their experience with ownership and infrastructure could be crucial as Neville navigates significant decisions regarding Old Trafford. Beckham’s recent achievement in Miami provides him with firsthand knowledge of such complex projects.
As Neville stated, “A club that has to be inspired and motivated by its history must also move forward.” Tonight in Miami, Beckham has fulfilled that vision.
Inter Miami vs. Austin FC kicks off at 7:30 PM local time (12:30 AM UK time on Sunday, April 5). Inter Miami is currently third in the MLS Eastern Conference.