Excitement is reaching a fever pitch in Ohio as Columbus Crew prepare to host Inter Miami in a blockbuster MLS clash that could shatter attendance records. Set for Saturday, April 19, the highly anticipated match will take place not in Columbus, but at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns to accommodate the overwhelming demand to see Lionel Messi in action.

The decision to move the fixture from the Crew’s regular home at Lower.com Field, which seats just over 20,000 fans, to a venue with a capacity of 67,431 reflects the sheer scale of Messi's drawing power. Already, the club is expecting a crowd that could more than double their previous single-game record of 31,550, set back in 1996 at Ohio Stadium.

Messi’s presence continues to be a major catalyst for record-breaking MLS attendances. Last year, his appearance for Inter Miami at Soldier Field saw a staggering 62,358 fans in attendance the highest ever for a Chicago Fire match. Now, Columbus Crew is set to experience that same magic, this time on a much larger stage in Cleveland.

The clash also promises to be one of the most competitive of the 2025 MLS season. Both teams are currently unbeaten, with the Crew leading the Eastern Conference with 18 points from five wins and three draws. Inter Miami is just one point behind, with Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba all expected to feature.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the significance of the matchup: “We are eager to face Columbus to assess our current standing.” For both fans and pundits, this encounter is being viewed as a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Final.

The venue change has sparked a mix of reactions from Columbus supporters. While some lament the extra travel required to attend the game in Cleveland, many are embracing the opportunity to see Messi perform live an occasion few want to miss. Ticket resale platforms are reporting strong demand, with entry prices starting at $64.

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Venue: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, Ohio
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass

With a star-studded lineup, two undefeated teams, and a possible attendance record on the line, Saturday’s showdown between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami is shaping up to be one of the defining fixtures of the 2025 MLS season. For fans in Cleveland and beyond, it’s more than a game it’s a Messi spectacle.