MIAMI — Inter Miami will host Austin FC on Saturday in its first match at the newly constructed Nu Stadium, marking the official opening of the club’s 26,700-seat venue. The team will play at the stadium following a $350 million construction project, with Marc Anthony performing the national anthem and other public figures expected to attend.
Coach Javier Mascherano said Thursday that the team must focus on the match despite the pregame celebrations. “We have to be careful about how we manage our emotions,” he said after the team’s first training session at the stadium. Mascherano added that the players must channel the energy from the opening into their performance on the field.
Lionel Messi, returning from Argentina’s national team duty, participated in part of Thursday’s training session. Mascherano confirmed Messi is fit to play Saturday. Fellow players Noah Allen and Alex Shaw also trained lightly after national team matches. Right back Facundo Mura trained separately due to a sprained ankle, and Ian Fray is expected to start in his place. Maxi Falcon and Sergio Reguilon returned to full training and are expected to be available.
Inter Miami enters the game with a 3-1-1 record in the Eastern Conference, following a 3-2 win over NYCFC before the international break. Austin FC holds a 1-2-2 record. Prior to the break, Austin recorded a scoreless draw against LAFC, becoming the first team this season to shut out the Western Conference leaders. Four Austin players — Robert Taylor, Dani Pereira, Brandon Vazquez, and Owen Wolff — will miss Saturday’s match due to injuries.
Austin coach Nico Estevez said his team anticipates the challenge of facing Messi and Inter Miami at the new stadium.