Inter Miami Edge Columbus Crew 1-0 as Messi and Co. Shine in Front of 60,000 Fans

After eight rounds of MLS action, the highly anticipated clash between Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Javier Mascherano’s side. The win lifts Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference standings, just one point behind Charlotte and Cincinnati—both of whom have played one more match.

Inter Miami fielded a star-studded lineup from the first whistle, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba all starting. But it was Benjamin Cremaschi, the 19-year-old midfielder, who stole the spotlight with a well-timed diving header in the 30th minute. The goal came from a perfectly placed cross by Marcelo Weigandt, showcasing the depth and quality within the Miami squad beyond their famous veterans.

Though Messi didn’t factor directly in the goal, his presence was felt both on and off the field. The significance of his involvement prompted Columbus Crew’s management to move the fixture from their usual Lower.com Field (20,000 capacity) to the larger Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland—home of the NFL’s Browns. The move paid off, drawing a massive crowd of 60,614 fans, underlining once again the global pull of the Argentine icon.

The match itself was an intense, tactical battle with few clear chances, but Inter Miami’s solid defensive structure and disciplined midfield display kept Columbus at bay. Mascherano’s side continues to evolve, combining their veteran leadership with young talents like Cremaschi and Weigandt, making them a serious contender in the East.

With this win, Inter Miami not only claim three crucial points but also send a clear message: they’re not just a team of stars—they’re a team with depth, hunger, and balance.