Columbus Crew, aiming for the top of the Eastern Conference, will host Inter Miami in a significant match. Due to the expected large crowd of over 60,000 fans, the game will be held at FirstEnergy Stadium, usually home to the Cleveland Browns, instead of their usual Lower.com Field.
Lionel Messi`s presence always attracts large crowds, making the larger stadium a logical choice. This matchup is particularly exciting as both teams have a history of intense games in the league and Leagues Cup, and both are currently competing for top spots in their conference.
Under coach Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew has emerged as a top MLS team. New player Daniel Gazdag might make his first full appearance in this game. The Crew aim to maintain their leading position in the Eastern Conference and compete for the Supporters` Shield against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Here are storylines and details on how to watch the match:
How to Watch Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami
- 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
Last Meeting
These teams last played in October 2024, near the end of the MLS regular season, in a memorable game. Inter Miami won 3-2, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in the first half (goals in the 45th and 50th minutes). Columbus Crew responded with goals from Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez, but Luis Suarez ultimately secured the win for Miami.
What`s at Stake
While it`s still early in the MLS season, this game feels more important than a typical April match, especially after Miami`s impressive comeback against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Inter Miami has a game in hand in the Eastern Conference race but trails Columbus Crew for the top spot. With Columbus strengthening their attack and Miami drawing their last game against Chicago Fire, this match is crucial for Eastern Conference dominance.
Side Story to Watch
Gazdag`s Potential Starting Debut: Columbus Crew invested $4.5 million in Daniel Gazdag from Philadelphia Union to compensate for Hernandez`s offensive output. Gazdag, Philadelphia`s all-time leading scorer with 59 goals, helped them reach the MLS Cup final. He recently made a substitute appearance for Columbus against St. Louis City SC and could start against Inter Miami.
Predicted Lineups
Columbus Crew: Patrick Schulte, Mohamed Farsi, Steven Moriera, Sean Zawadzki, Malte Admundsen, 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 to Watch
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: In any game Messi plays, he is the player to watch. Games in larger stadiums pose unique challenges. Despite Columbus having a strong home atmosphere, with over 60,000 fans expected, it might feel like a neutral venue due to Messi`s global appeal. While the “Messi effect” might have slightly diminished, fans still come to see him. Messi hasn`t gone two consecutive games without contributing a goal this season, making it interesting to see if Columbus can break that streak.
Storyline to Watch
Can the Crew Overcome Inter Miami Again?: Last season, Columbus Crew defeated Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, demonstrating that team play can outweigh individual star power. Miami retaliated by setting a single-season points record of 74, but Columbus could challenge this record this season, setting up an exciting rivalry.
Prediction
Gazdag will score his first goal for Columbus Crew in his first start, securing a narrow victory despite Miami`s efforts to equalize. Columbus, under Nancy, is a strong team, and with Los Angeles teams declining, Miami might be their biggest competitor for the MLS Cup. Pick: Columbus Crew 2, Inter Miami 1
