As Inter Miami announced earlier this week, Marc Anthony was on hand for the opening of Nu Stadium, where he performed the U.S. national anthem ahead of the MLS matchup between Inter Miami and Austin FC. The Puerto Rican singer delivered a powerful, heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Saturday’s debut event.
Marc is a close friend of David Beckham, one of the club’s owners, and the two have shared a longstanding personal and professional bond, often appearing together at major events and supporting each other’s ventures. He is also Cruz’s godfather, while Beckham is the godfather to one of Anthony’s youngest sons, Marquito, a connection that made him a natural choice for such a meaningful moment for the Herons.
© Getty ImagesAt the end of his performance, he received a standing ovation from the crowd, including Lionel Messi, who applauded the 57-year-old artist. His unmistakable voice rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that matched the magnitude of the night.
© Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesMarc arrived in high spirits with his wife, Nadia Ferreira, who is expecting their second child. He greeted the Beckhams and later shared behind-the-scenes moments from the evening on his Instagram account.
© Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesNu Stadium, the team’s new home, has a capacity of 25,000. Messi also made history as the first Inter Miami player to score at the venue.
A marquee performer for Inter Miami’s stadium opening
The debut of the new venue marked far more than just a match. It signaled the start of a foundational era for the franchise, shaped by the spirit of “Freedom to Dream,” the motto that defines the club and its ownership group.
© MLS via Getty ImagesThe evening marked the beginning of a new chapter in Inter Miami’s history, driven by that same guiding principle. For Jorge and José Mas, it symbolizes their family’s pursuit of a better life after fleeing Cuba, a story shared by many across South Florida, according to the club’s press release.
© Getty ImagesThat dream also has a name for David Beckham. The Englishman began envisioning this project back in 2007, when he arrived in MLS as a player, and now he’s watching it come to life, bringing top-tier soccer to Miami along with a modern stadium in the heart of the city.
© MLS via Getty ImagesMarc’s standout performance was no coincidence. His connection to Inter Miami runs deep and extends beyond the artistic. A close friend of Beckham, the co-owner even has “Freedom to Dream” tattooed on his body in Anthony’s own handwriting. Having him lend his voice to the national anthem on opening night helped create a moment rich in identity, emotion, and symbolism for both the club and the city.
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