Columbus Crew, aiming to climb higher in the Eastern Conference, are set for a significant match against Inter Miami. This game is scheduled at FirstEnergy Stadium, typically home to the Cleveland Browns, instead of Lower.com Field, to accommodate a larger crowd of up to 60,000 fans.
The anticipation of Lionel Messi`s appearance has led teams to maximize stadium capacity. This venue choice is particularly fitting given the history of intense matches between these teams in both league play and the Leagues Cup, as they both contend for top positions in the conference.
Under coach Wilfried Nancy, the Crew have emerged as a top MLS team. Newcomer Daniel Gazdag might make his first full appearance in this game, as the Crew seek to maintain their lead in the Eastern Conference and challenge the Vancouver Whitecaps for the Supporters` Shield.
Here’s a preview of the key aspects, including viewing information and more:
Viewing Details: Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami, and Game Odds
- Date: Saturday, April 19 | Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: FirstEnergy Stadium — Cleveland, Ohio
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Columbus Crew +125; Draw +280; Inter Miami +185
Previous Matchup
These teams last competed in October 2024, near the end of the MLS regular season, in a highly contested game. Inter Miami won 2-3, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in the first half (goals at the 45th and 50th minute). Columbus Crew responded with goals from Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez, but Luis Suarez ultimately secured the win for Miami.
Game Significance
While it’s early in the MLS season, Miami`s dramatic comeback against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup adds extra importance to this match. Inter Miami, with a game in hand, trails the Crew for the top spot in the East, even considering a potential win in their hand. With Columbus strengthening their attack and Miami coming off a draw against Chicago Fire, this game has implications for Eastern Conference leadership.
Key Storyline to Follow
Potential Debut Start for Gazdag: The Crew invested $4.5 million in Gazdag from Philadelphia Union to compensate for Hernandez`s offensive output. Gazdag, Philadelphia`s all-time top scorer with 59 goals, helped them reach an MLS Cup final. After a substitute appearance where he nearly contributed to a goal against St. Louis City SC, he might 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: Messi is always a focal point, but games in larger stadiums present unique challenges. Columbus has a strong home crowd, but with over 60,000 fans expected, it might feel more like a neutral venue for Inter Miami. While the initial “Messi effect” has slightly diminished, his presence still draws huge crowds eager to see a soccer legend. This high-profile game could potentially backfire on Columbus. Messi hasn`t gone two consecutive games without a goal contribution this season, making it interesting to see if Columbus can break that streak.
Game Narrative
Can Columbus Overcome Inter Miami Again?: After defeating Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup last season, coach Nancy and the Crew demonstrated that team cohesion can be more effective than individual star power, even that of a global icon. Miami retaliated by setting a points record of 74 in a season, but if Columbus maintains their current form, this record could be challenged, setting up an exciting rivalry.
Match Prediction
Gazdag is predicted to score his first goal for the Crew in his starting debut. Despite Miami`s efforts to respond, it`s anticipated to be insufficient to overcome a one-goal lead established by Gazdag`s contribution. Columbus, under Nancy, is a determined team, and with both Los Angeles teams showing signs of decline this season, Miami might be their main contender for the MLS Cup. Prediction: Columbus Crew 2, Inter Miami 1
