Messi & Suárez Rescued Inter Miami in Thrilling 2-2 Draw vs Austin FC

MLS Full Time

2-2

April 5, 2026

Inter Miami vs Austin FC: A Hard-Fought Draw at Chase Stadium

The 2026 MLS season continues to deliver high-octane drama as Inter Miami and Austin FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Fans were treated to a legendary start when Lionel Messi found the back of the net just 10 minutes into the match, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, Austin FC proved to be a resilient opponent, refusing to crumble under the early pressure. Austin flipped the script in the second half. Guilherme Biro leveled the score in the 6th minute (of the half), followed by a clinical finish from J. Nelson in the 53rd minute to put the visitors ahead. It took the clinical instincts of Luis Suárez in the 81st minute to rescue a point for the Herons, ensuring the spoils were shared in a match dominated by Miami's possession but defined by Austin's defensive grit.

Brad Stuver

Player of the Match

90' Minutes

6 Saves

5 In-Box Saves

8.9 Rating

Brad Stuver: The Wall of Austin

While the strikers grabbed the headlines, the real hero of the night was Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Earning a massive 8.9 rating, Stuver was instrumental in keeping his side in the game. Inter Miami unleashed a total of 19 shots, with 4 of them being high-quality efforts on target. Stuver produced 6 total saves, 5 of which came from strikes inside the penalty box. His most notable contribution was preventing nearly a full goal (0.79 goals prevented) based on the quality of shots faced. His positioning and reflexes against the likes of Messi and Suárez ensured that Austin walked away with a point against the league's most star-studded attack.

Inter Miami 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

D. St. Clair

Defenders

I. Fray

M. Falcón

Micael

N. Allen

Midfielders

R. De Paul

D. Ayala

M. Silvetti

Forwards

L. Messi

T. Segovia

T. Allende

Austin FC 4-4-2

Goalkeeper

B. Stuver

Defenders

G. Biro

B. Hines-Ike

O. Svatok

J. Gallagher

Midfielders

J. Rosales

Ilie

N. Dubersin

Forwards

F. Torres

M. Uzuni

C. Ramirez

Tactical Breakdown: Possession vs. Efficiency

Inter Miami utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to maximize the creative output of Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi. This reflected in the stats, as Miami controlled a staggering 61% of possession and completed 459 passes with a 90% accuracy rate. They lived in Austin's half, searching for openings through intricate play. Austin FC, on the other hand, set up in a classic 4-4-2. Their strategy was clear: absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Despite having only 39% possession, they were highly efficient, managing 3 shots on target from just 6 total attempts. This disciplined approach allowed them to exploit gaps in Miami's high line, nearly pulling off an upset at Chase Stadium.

Head-to-Head History

Inter Miami 0 WINS

Austin FC 0 WINS

Matches Drawn 1

Key Match Statistics

MATCH SUMMARY

Inter Miami

2 - 2

Austin FC

19 Shots 6

61% Possession 39%

90% Pass Accuracy 76%

6 Fouls 8

7 Corners 3

Conclusion

The 2-2 result is a testament to the unpredictable nature of MLS. Inter Miami showcased their world-class talent, but their reliance on possession was countered by Austin's clinical defensive organization and Brad Stuver's masterclass in goal. As the season progresses, both teams will look at this match as a missed opportunity for three points, but a valuable lesson in tactical flexibility.