On Saturday, Lionel Messi will add another unique venue to his illustrious soccer career as he visits the Dawg Pound in Cleveland. This time, rather than Cleveland Browns fans, it will be the Columbus Crew supporters who take over the East end zone as Columbus hosts Inter Miami. This opportunity arises because the Haslam Sports Group, owners of both the Browns and the Crew, decided to capitalize on Messi’s draw since acquiring the Crew in 2019.
The upcoming match marks the 11th time Messi has played in an NFL stadium since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Previously, nine regular season matches and one playoff game featuring Messi have averaged an attendance of 61,507. Last year, Sporting Kansas City switched their venue to Arrowhead Stadium to accommodate 72,610 fans, far surpassing their home field’s capacity. Similarly, the Columbus Crew aims to break their record by drawing more than the 31,550 fans they attracted in a 1996 match against the New York-New Jersey MetroStars at Ohio Stadium.
Messi’s presence has significantly impacted Major League Soccer, drawing large crowds and elevating the league’s profile. An MLS executive noted that Messi’s influence is creating a lasting legacy for the sport. Indeed, several MLS teams, including Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, the Chicago Fire, and New England Revolution, regularly play in NFL stadiums. The recent scoreless draw between the Chicago Fire and Inter Miami at Soldier Field set a new attendance record with 62,358 fans.
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio boast a rich soccer history, with the region producing numerous youth and club teams. The University of Akron has achieved significant success, winning the NCAA Division I men’s soccer title in 2010 and reaching the College Cup finals multiple times. Many Akron players have gone on to play in MLS, including Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe.
Despite not securing a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team, Cleveland plans to field a club in the Women’s Premier Soccer League Pro, a Division II league. Huntington Bank Field has hosted U.S. men’s and women’s national team matches, including CONCACAF Gold Cup doubleheaders.
Columbus, an original member of Major League Soccer, faces competition for fans within Ohio, particularly since FC Cincinnati’s MLS debut in 2019. However, the Crew sees this Cleveland match as an opportunity to create new supporters who might travel to Columbus for future games.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Messi, the upcoming match features a clash between the MLS’s only two unbeaten teams. The Columbus Crew (5-0-3) leads the Eastern Conference with 18 points, while Inter Miami (4-0-3) holds fourth place with 15 points, having played one fewer match. Messi has already scored three goals and provided two assists in the current MLS season.
Crew midfielder Sean Zawadzki, a native of Olmsted Falls, is thrilled to play in front of his hometown fans. He expressed excitement about competing in a familiar location close to his family and friends, marking a significant moment for his soccer career.
