Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham described the club's first game at Nu Stadium as a "dream come true" as they christened the venue with a 2-2 draw with Austin FC.

Miami were denied a victory on their first outing at the 26,700-capacity venue, having played their home games at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for the last six years. 

Lionel Messi scored the Herons' first goal at their new stadium, the first time in his glittering club career that he had scored on his first appearance at one of his clubs' home stadiums (Camp Nou with Barcelona, Parc des Princes with Paris Saint-Germain, Chase Stadium with Miami).

But Austin were already 1-0 up by that point, and the visitors restored their lead late in the first half, with Miami requiring a late equaliser from Luis Suarez to salvage a point.

However, for Beckham, the result could not dampen a landmark day, as he lauded Miami's progress in a pre-match speech to the crowd.

"When I came to America and MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team," Beckham said.

"Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home.

"We are champions of MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true."

Beckham's fellow co-owner Jorge Mas predicted the venue would be a fitting place for Miami to lift more trophies, having already won the Leagues Cup, the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup since Messi arrived in Florida three years ago.

"Today, we're home," Mas told the crowd. "I think this is a personification of what's possible. I think it's an amazing stadium, an amazing environment.

"And listen, our goal is to lift trophies and win championships, and I think this will be a proper home to do that with our fans."

Miami, who played their first five games of the MLS season away from home as they waited for work on Nu Stadium to be finalised, are back in action at the venue next Saturday, against the New York Red Bulls.