Columbus Crew, aiming to climb to the top of the Eastern Conference, will face a significant challenge when they host Inter Miami. This highly anticipated match is moved to FirstEnergy Stadium, the Cleveland Browns` home field, to accommodate a larger crowd of up to 60,000 fans, instead of their usual Lower.com Field.
The presence of Lionel Messi has made maximizing fan attendance a priority for teams. This venue change is particularly fitting given the history of intense matches between these two teams in both league play and the Leagues Cup, as both are vying for top spots in the conference.
Under coach Wilfried Nancy, the Crew have emerged as a top MLS team. The potential debut of new signing Daniel Gazdag adds further excitement as the Crew seek to maintain their leading position in the Eastern Conference and compete for the Supporters` Shield against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Match Preview: Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami
- Date: Saturday, April 19
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium — Cleveland, Ohio
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Columbus Crew +125; Draw +280; Inter Miami +185
Previous Encounter
The last game between these teams in October 2024 was a thrilling contest as the regular MLS season neared its end. Inter Miami narrowly won 3-2, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in the first half. Columbus Crew fought back with goals from Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez, but a goal from Luis Suarez ultimately secured Miami`s victory.
Match Significance
While seemingly an early-season MLS game, the context is heightened by Miami`s dramatic comeback against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. This match carries more weight than typical April games. Miami, with a game in hand, trails the Crew in the Eastern Conference standings. 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 invested $4.5 million in Daniel Gazdag from Philadelphia Union to compensate for Hernandez`s offensive output. Gazdag, Union`s all-time top scorer with 59 goals, played a key role in their MLS Cup final appearance. After a substitute appearance against St. Louis City SC, he is poised to potentially start against Inter Miami.
Projected 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 Messi game is a must-watch, but these larger stadium matches present unique challenges. Despite Columbus` strong home support, the expected 60,000+ crowd might create a neutral atmosphere benefiting Inter Miami. While the initial “Messi effect” might be fading, fans still flock to see a soccer legend. This high-profile event could potentially backfire on the Crew. Messi is aiming to avoid consecutive games without a goal contribution, making it a key test for Columbus.
Game Narrative
Can the Crew Overcome Inter Miami Again?: Columbus Crew previously demonstrated in the Leagues Cup that team strategy can outweigh individual star power, defeating Inter Miami. Miami avenged this with a record-setting 74-point season. If Columbus maintains their current form, they could challenge that record, setting up an exciting rivalry.
Match Prediction
Gazdag is predicted to score his first goal for the Crew in his debut start. Despite Miami`s efforts, Columbus is expected to secure a narrow victory. Coach Nancy`s well-organized Crew, with improvements from both Los Angeles teams, may view Miami as their primary competition for the MLS Cup. Prediction: Columbus Crew 2, Inter Miami 1
