Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic names in global football, is set to grace Cleveland with his talent, as Inter Miami takes on Columbus Crew in a historic Major League Soccer match.
The game will be held at Huntington Bank Stadium, home of Cleveland Browns, marking the first time Columbus Crew will host a match outside their home city.
Known for its raucous “Dawg Pound,” the stadium will be filled with Crew fans eager to witness Messi’s magic.
This unique event is made possible thanks to Haslam Sports Group, which owns both the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew. Since acquiring the MLS club in 2019, the Haslams have had the option to bring a match to Cleveland and with Messi now in town, it’s the perfect opportunity.
Josh Glessing, Crew's president of business operations, explained, “This is a special moment, bringing Messi to Cleveland for the first time. We’re excited to fill the stadium and give Northeast Ohio its first experience with the Columbus Crew in front of a packed crowd.”
Messi’s upcoming match will be his 11th in an NFL stadium since joining Inter Miami in 2023, following his World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022. These stadium matches have been massive draws, with an average of over 61,000 fans attending. Last year’s match at Arrowhead Stadium between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City saw a huge turnout of 72,610 fans, far surpassing typical MLS attendance.
The Crew is hoping to break their own single-game attendance record of 31,550, set back in 1996 at Ohio Stadium.
MLS executive vice president Camilo Durana acknowledged the long-term impact Messi is having on the sport, “Messi’s presence is not only boosting ticket sales but creating lasting enthusiasm for soccer in US. His legacy is just beginning to be realized.”
While soccer has deep roots in Cleveland, home to the Cleveland Force indoor soccer team in the 1980s, the area is also known for its strong youth and collegiate programs, including the University of Akron's nationally successful soccer team.
The region has seen interest in the sport grow, even though Cleveland’s bid for an NWSL expansion team did not succeed. A new local initiative is now planning to join the WPSL Pro, a Division II league often seen as a stepping stone to the NWSL.
The match is also a critical one on the field. Both teams are currently unbeaten, with Columbus Crew (5-0-3) sitting atop the Eastern Conference with 18 points, and Inter Miami (4-0-3), with one game in hand, close behind in fourth place.
Messi has already scored three goals and contributed two assists in just four matches this season, adding to the excitement surrounding the game.
For Cleveland native and Crew midfielder Sean Zawadzki, the match holds extra personal significance. “It’s a dream come true,” said Zawadzki. “I grew up cheering for teams here in this stadium. To play in front of family, friends, and hometown fans is something I’ll never forget.”
With high stakes on the line, record-breaking attendance expectations, and the Messi factor in full swing, Saturday’s match promises to be an unforgettable moment for Ohio soccer.
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