Austin FC was the better team for 75 minutes Saturday vs. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. It then had to hold on for the final 15 minutes to take a point.

What happened?

Guilherme Biro and Jayden Nelson scored for the Verde & Black as they produced a 2-2 draw with the defending MLS champions in the first game at Miami's Nu Stadium.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored for the hosts. Austin FC (1-2-3, 6 points) was the much better side in the first half, when it had two shots hit the post and got unlucky in the game's first minute after a penalty wasn't awarded following Christian Ramirez being taken down in the box.

Key moments

It continued its solid play early in the second half, including Nelson's goal in the 53rd minute that gave it a 2-1 lead, then started to wear down. Miami (3-1-2, 11 points) played the game's final stretch with only three defenders and constantly pushed the ball forward.

After Suarez tied the goal in the 83rd minute, Austin FC survived a final onslaught by the hosts, which included goalie Brad Stuver making an impressive diving save. Miami outshot Austin 27-8.

Current context

As of June 28, 2026, Austin FC stands 6th in Major League Soccer, with 47 points from 34 games, and a recent form of LWLLW. The team has scored 37 goals this season, while conceding 45, resulting in a goal difference of -8. They are currently 16 points behind leaders San Diego.

What's next?

After hosting the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, the schedule becomes more manageable for Austin FC following a three-game stretch of playing Miami in between the two Los Angeles clubs.