ONE TOUCH SUMMARY
- Messi leads Inter Miami in match against Columbus Crew
- Inter Miami faces Columbus Crew in a high-profile MLS fixture
- Messi's presence highlights Inter Miami's growing star power
ONE TOUCH INSIGHT
Lionel Messi’s presence turns every Inter Miami appearance into a test of whether a single genius can unlock a well‑drilled side. Columbus Crew, the 2023 MLS Cup champions, rely on a compact 4‑4‑2 that squeezes space between lines and forces opponents wide. Miami’s best chance lies in Messi drifting into the half‑space to pull the Crew’s midfield out of shape and create lanes for Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana.
If the Crew stay disciplined and deny Messi time on the ball, they can hit on the break with Cucho Hernández and Darlington Nagbe, exploiting the high line Miami often pushes when chasing a goal. The match will hinge on whether Miami can force the Crew out of their block without leaving themselves exposed.
The key moment to watch is whether Messi receives the ball in the half‑space between the Crew’s midfield and defense in the first twenty minutes.
WHY IT MATTERS
The match showcases Messi's influence on MLS, elevating the league's profile and attracting global attention, while testing Inter Miami's competitiveness against a strong Columbus Crew side.
TACTICAL FIT
Messi's experience and skill set offer Inter Miami creative freedom, allowing flexible attacking formations and providing a focal point for offensive play against Columbus Crew's defense.
THE DEBATE
Does Messi's presence truly elevate Inter Miami's chances against top MLS teams?
!
Columbus v Miami
MLS
7-5-14, 26 PTS
1
7-5-14, 26 PTS
HT
Apple TV
12-10-4, 46 PTS
1
12-10-4, 46 PTS
Josef Martínez - 28' Pen
Lionel Messi - 33'
!
Corner Awarded
45'+6'Last Play
Corner, Columbus Crew. Conceded by Facundo Mura.
Corner Awarded
45'+6'Last Play
Corner, Columbus Crew. Conceded by Facundo Mura.
Match Timeline & Momentum Momentum This graph shows how much pressure a team applied during the match. Taller columns indicate stronger attacking periods, based on things like possession, shots, goals, big chances, and other key stats.
KOHTFT
All Players
GoalSaveOff TargetBlock
Off Target 21
A. Zaroury
CLB • Left Midfielder
10'
0.03
xG
0.00
xGOT
23 yds
Distance
Regular Play
Situation
Right Foot
Shot Type
Goal Zone
Goal 77
J. Martínez
CLB • Forward
28'
0.79
xG
0.64
xGOT
13 yds
Distance
Penalty
Situation
Right Foot
Shot Type
Low Left
Goal Zone
Goal 10
L. Messi
MIA • Center Right Forward
33'
0.03
xG
0.55
xGOT
29 yds
Distance
Free Kick
Situation
Left Foot
Shot Type
High Left
Goal Zone
Saved 10
B. Méndez
CLB • Center Right Forward
45'
0.03
xG
0.04
xGOT
36 yds
Distance
Free Kick
Situation
Left Foot
Shot Type
Low Right
Goal Zone
Blocked 8
S. Rodríguez
CLB • Center Left Forward
45'+2'
0.02
xG
0.00
xGOT
21 yds
Distance
Regular Play
Situation
Right Foot
Shot Type
Low Centre
Goal Zone
Off Target 21
A. Zaroury
CLB • Left Midfielder
45'+7'
0.02
xG
xGOT
31 yds
Distance
From Corner
Situation
Right Foot
Shot Type
High Right
Goal Zone
Team Stats
0.87
Expected Goals
0.03
42%
Possession
58%
2 (40%)
Shots on Goal
1 (100%)
0
Big Chances Created
0
4
Corners Won
0
191 (91%)
Accurate Passes
267 (89%)
19
Duels Won
18
0
Saves
1
8
Fouls Committed
8
!Columbus
| DATE | OPP | RESULT | COMPETITION | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 9/19/26 | @!MTL | W2-0 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season | | 9/16/26 | vs!ORL | W2-1 | 2026 U.S. Open Cup, Semifinals | | 9/12/26 | vs!RBNY | L1-0 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season | | 9/9/26 | @!DC | L2-1 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season | | 9/5/26 | vs!COL | W3-0 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season |
!Miami
| DATE | OPP | RESULT | COMPETITION | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 9/20/26 | vs!SD | D2-2 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season | | 9/16/26 | vs!CAZ | W2-0 | Campeones Cup | | 9/12/26 | vs!NSH | D2-2 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season | | 9/9/26 | @!CHI | D1-1 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season | | 9/5/26 | vs!ATL | D2-2 | 2026 MLS, Regular Season |
Data is currently unavailable.
AI-assisted · generated from ESPN FC reporting, not editor reviewed
