‘The new stadium turned out incredible’ – Messi eager to debut new Inter Miami home

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates trained at their new $350 million home, Nu Stadium, for the first time Thursday morning as season-ticket holders got a sneak peek of the long-awaited 26,700-seat venue adjacent to Miami International Airport.

The stadium gates officially open on Saturday for the 7:30 p.m. (local time) game against Austin FC.

“Yes, it’s definitely going to be a very special day for the club, because of what it means to have a new stadium,” Messi said on Friday. “It’s going to be a really beautiful day.”

Messi participated in the first half of the training session on Thursday but was held out of the latter part because he just returned from national team duty in Argentina, coach Javier Mascherano explained. He is expected to be ready for the game on Saturday.

Messi’s presence is all over the stadium, from his No. 10 jersey and Funko Pop! collectible for sale at the team store to the designated “Leo Messi Stand” seating sections to Club de la Milanesa, one of the food concession stands co-owned by Messi and featuring his favorite dish, the Milanesa