Columbus Crew Expands Reach with Cleveland Match Featuring Messi

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set to face the Columbus Crew in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer match at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, marking the first MLS regular season game played in Northeast Ohio. The relocation to the Cleveland Browns’ NFL stadium, which seats over 67,000, is expected to draw a record crowd of more than 60,000 fans, nearly tripling the capacity of the Crew's usual home venue. This move leverages a unique territorial agreement secured by Crew ownership, allowing them exclusive rights to the Northeast Ohio market and enabling one-off events like this. The matchup features MLS’s last two unbeaten teams and promises a vibrant atmosphere, blending Crew traditions with Cleveland fan culture. Organizers and fans alike view the event as a historic crossover for the league, further highlighting Messi’s significant impact on MLS attendance and visibility. The game is set for Saturday, with ticket demand and excitement running high.