In one of the most anticipated Major League Soccer games in recent history, Inter Miami faced off against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland. This thrilling match was a showdown between the last two undefeated teams in the league, and it did not disappoint. Inter Miami emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a first-half header from Benjamin Cremaschi, securing their place at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
The atmosphere was electric as 60,614 fans packed into the stadium, setting a new attendance record for a non-NFL event at the venue. This remarkable turnout highlights the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, particularly with the presence of global superstar Lionel Messi. The previous highest attendance for the stadium was 73,718, achieved during an NFL matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2002.
Columbus Crew, the defending 2024 Leagues Cup champions, controlled much of the possession and created several scoring opportunities throughout the match. However, their inability to find the back of the net was a testament to Miami's resolute defense, which held strong under pressure. Despite not scoring himself, Messi's influence was palpable both on and off the field, as fans flocked to witness the Argentine legend in action.
In a strategic move to accommodate the expected influx of fans, the Crew shifted the match from their usual home at Lower.com Field, which has a capacity of just 20,371, to the much larger Cleveland Browns Stadium. This decision proved to be a wise one, as it allowed thousands more to experience the excitement of this high-stakes match.
Messi, who is renowned for his incredible achievements in soccer, including 56 team trophies, eight Ballon d'Or awards, and a record of over 850 career goals, continues to draw significant crowds wherever he plays. His presence not only boosts attendance numbers but also elevates the profile of Major League Soccer on the global stage. Reports indicated that Messi was expected to play despite having sustained a lower-grade adductor injury earlier in March.
Another key figure in the match was Columbus Crew's captain, Darlington Nagbe, who has deep roots in Ohio. Nagbe, a former player for the University of Akron, logged 19 goals and 19 assists during his college career, helping the Zips secure their only national title in 2010. He also contributed significantly to the Crew's success in recent years, having won MLS Cup titles in both 2020 and 2023.
On the other side, the Crew recently bolstered their lineup by acquiring midfielder Daniel Gazdag for $4.5 million from the Philadelphia Union. Gazdag, who set career highs in games played, goals, and minutes last season, is expected to make a significant impact moving forward.
As for the current standings, Inter Miami, the 2024 Supporters' Shield winners, sits in fourth place with a record of 4-0-3, while Columbus Crew leads the Eastern Conference at 5-0-3. Historically, Inter Miami has a slight edge in their meetings, holding a 5-3-3 advantage over the Crew. However, Columbus knocked Miami out of the Leagues Cup last season with a 3-2 win in the round of 16, adding an extra layer of intensity to this matchup.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will shift their focus to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, where they are set to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This match will take place at BC Place, a venue that can accommodate 54,500 fans, providing yet another opportunity for Messi to draw record crowds and further elevate the profile of soccer in North America.
The excitement surrounding this game and the growing attendance figures underscore the increasing interest in Major League Soccer. With Lionel Messi leading the charge, the league is poised for continued growth and success. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in this unfolding story, one thing is certain: the future of soccer in the United States is brighter than ever.
