Columbus Crew, aiming to climb higher in the Eastern Conference, are set for a significant match against Inter Miami. Due to the potential for a large crowd exceeding 60,000 fans, the game will be held at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, instead of the usual Lower.com Field.
The excitement around Lionel Messi`s presence ensures maximum fan attendance, making this larger venue ideal for this encounter. These two teams have a history of intense matches, both in regular league play and the Leagues Cup, and both are currently vying for top positions in their conference.
Under coach Wilfried Nancy, the Crew have emerged as a top MLS team. The potential debut of new signing Daniel Gazdag in this game adds another layer of anticipation, as the Crew seek to maintain their leading position in the Eastern Conference and challenge Vancouver Whitecaps for the Supporters` Shield.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, April 19
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium — Cleveland, Ohio
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Columbus Crew +125; Draw +280; Inter Miami +185
Previous Matchup
The last game between these teams in October 2024, near the end of the MLS regular season, was a thrilling contest. Inter Miami won 3-2, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in the first half (45th and 50th minutes). Columbus Crew fought back with goals from Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez, but Luis Suarez ultimately secured the win for Miami.
What`s at Stake
While it`s early in the MLS season, this match feels more important than a typical April game, especially after Miami`s impressive comeback against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Miami has a game in hand in the Eastern Conference race, but still trails Columbus Crew for the top spot, even with a potential win. With Columbus strengthening their attack and Miami coming off a draw, this game is crucial for Eastern Conference dominance.
Key Storyline
Gazdag`s Potential First Start
Columbus Crew invested $4.5 million in Daniel Gazdag from Philadelphia Union to compensate for Hernandez`s offensive output. Gazdag, Philadelphia`s all-time top scorer with 59 goals, played a key role in their MLS Cup appearance. After a substitute appearance where he nearly contributed a goal against St. Louis City SC, he might start against Inter Miami.
Projected Starting Lineups
Columbus Crew: Patrick Schulte, Mohamed Farsi, Steven Moriera, Sean Zawadzki, Malte Admunsen, Daniel Gazdag, Darlington Nagbe, Dylan Chambost, Diego Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Max Arfsten
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Marcelo Weigandt, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Tadeo Allende, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Player Spotlight
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
Every game Messi plays in is a must-watch, but these matches in larger stadiums present unique challenges for teams. Despite Columbus` strong home support, with over 60,000 fans expected, it might feel like a neutral venue for Inter Miami. While the “Messi effect” might have slightly diminished, fans still come to see a soccer legend. Messi hasn`t gone two consecutive games without a goal contribution this season, and Columbus will try to break that streak.
Game Narrative
Can Columbus Crew Triumph Again Over Inter Miami?
After defeating Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup last season, Columbus Crew, under Nancy, demonstrated that teamwork can overcome star power. Miami retaliated by setting a single-season points record (74 points), but if Columbus maintains their current form, they could challenge that record this season, setting up an exciting rivalry.
Match Prediction
Gazdag will score his first goal for Columbus Crew in his anticipated first start. Even with Miami`s efforts to respond, it won`t be enough to overcome the one-goal lead Gazdag provides his new team. Columbus is a determined team under Nancy, and with Los Angeles teams showing signs of decline, Miami might be their biggest competitor for the MLS Cup. Prediction: Columbus Crew 2, Inter Miami 1
Dominic Ashworth