Messi’s Arrival Sparks Excitement for Crew’s Unbeaten Clash in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Lionel Messi is set to light up Huntington Bank Field on Saturday as Inter Miami faces the Columbus Crew in a marquee matchup between Major League Soccer’s two unbeaten teams.

With more than 65,000 fans expected to attend, this clash is drawing attention well beyond the local soccer scene. The anticipation is particularly high as this match marks the 11th time Messi has played in an NFL stadium since joining Miami.

“We think it’s a unique moment in time with Messi that can create a packed house and introduce soccer to more fans in Northeast Ohio,” said Josh Glessing, president of business operations for the Crew, during a phone interview.

The Crew, who currently lead the Eastern Conference with 18 points, aim to break their own attendance record. The previous record of 31,550 was set in 1996 at Ohio Stadium against the New York-New Jersey MetroStars.

Messi, who has contributed three goals and two assists in four MLS games this season, is the primary draw for the event. The home team has taken advantage of his star power, moving this game to Cleveland after receiving approval from the Haslam Sports Group, who owns both the Crew and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

Supporters of the Crew, however, have expressed mixed feelings. The Nordecke, the Crew’s supporters group, announced it would not provide chant leaders for the game, citing concerns about the match being played outside its Columbus home.

Despite the dissent, this weekend’s event is poised to be a significant occasion. Historical soccer connections linger in Cleveland, with the area previously housing the defunct Cleveland Force, highlighting the region’s potential as a soccer hub.

The match is not just about Messi; it also pits the league’s two top sides against one another, making it a critical point in the season for both teams. The Crew’s coach, Wilfried Nancy, noted how his team is preparing for this unique game.

“It’s an away home game for us,” Nancy said. “We’re focused on delivering the best performance to capture the match.”

The Crew’s ownership has been strategizing to broaden their fan base for years, even securing exclusive territorial rights in Northeast Ohio during their acquisition of the franchise in 2018. The franchise has become competitive in terms of ticket sales and partnership revenue, ranking in the top tier of MLS.

Plans are in place to enhance community engagement through media deals and youth training events as part of expanding their outreach in Northeast Ohio.

As the match approaches, both teams are eager to not just protect their unbeaten streaks but also to build lasting relationships with new fans. “Everything we’re doing is to grow the base of actively engaged fans,” Glessing said. “It’s a step toward creating a broader presence for the Crew in Cleveland and beyond.”

The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET, promising a thrilling atmosphere filled with soccer passion and competitive spirit.