Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic figures in global football, is set to add another memorable chapter to his storied career this time, in the heart of Cleveland.
Inter Miami’s matchup against Columbus Crew will take place at Cleveland’s NFL venue, Huntington Bank Stadium, marking the first time the Crew will host a Major League Soccer match outside of Columbus. The unique setting, better known for the Cleveland Browns’ raucous “Dawg Pound,” will instead be filled with passionate Crew fans as Messi takes center stage.
The opportunity came thanks to the Haslam Sports Group, which owns both the Browns and the Crew. Since acquiring the MLS club in 2019, the Haslams have held the option of staging a match in Cleveland, and the Messi effect made this the perfect moment.
“This is a unique moment in time with Messi where we can fill the building and ensure that the first experience Northeast Ohio has with the Columbus Crew is in a packed house,” said Josh Glessing, the Crew’s president of business operations.
This will be Messi’s 11th MLS game played in an NFL stadium since he joined Inter Miami in 2023 after guiding Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 2022. These matches have proven to be major draws, averaging more than 61,000 fans. Last year’s clash between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium drew a massive 72,610 fans—far surpassing typical MLS attendance figures.
The Crew hopes to break their own single-game attendance record of 31,550, set in 1996 at Ohio Stadium.
MLS executive vice president Camilo Durana said Messi’s presence is doing more than selling tickets—it’s building lasting enthusiasm for the sport.
“The impact Messi has on MLS and soccer in the U.S. is clear. But there’s also a long-term legacy being created that people are just starting to recognize,” Durana said.
Northeast Ohio isn’t new to soccer. The Cleveland Force of the 1980s was one of indoor soccer’s biggest draws, and the region continues to foster talent at the youth and collegiate levels. The University of Akron's soccer program remains one of the most successful in the nation, having produced multiple MLS players, including current Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe.
Cleveland nearly landed a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, and while that bid fell short, a new local group has announced plans to join the WPSL Pro—a Division II league considered a pipeline to the NWSL.
This game also has serious on-field significance. It’s a battle between the last two unbeaten teams in MLS. Columbus Crew (5-0-3) lead the Eastern Conference with 18 points, while Inter Miami (4-0-3), with one game in hand, trails just behind in fourth.
Messi has already tallied three goals and two assists in four matches this season. For Cleveland native Sean Zawadzki, a midfielder for the Crew, the match has extra meaning.
“It’s a dream come true,” Zawadzki said. “I grew up cheering for teams at this stadium. To play here in front of family, friends, and fans in my hometown—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
With high stakes, record-breaking expectations, and the Messi factor in full effect, Saturday’s match in Cleveland promises to be a landmark moment for Ohio soccer.