On Saturday, «Inter Miami» defeated the reigning MLS Cup champion «Columbus Crew» with a minimal score of 1:0 at the packed «Huntington Bank Field» stadium in Cleveland. The author of the only goal was 20-year-old Benjamin Cremaski, who scored with a header in the 30th minute of the game.
The match set a new attendance record for «Crew» home games — 60,614 spectators, which also became the largest non-NFL event in the stadium's history, a traditional arena for «Cleveland Browns». The relocation of the game from Columbus to Cleveland was driven by overwhelming demand for tickets, fueled by the participation of global football star Lionel Messi.
This is already the second time this season that a match involving «Inter Miami» has attracted over 60 thousand fans on the road, and the ninth instance since Messi joined the club in 2023 when a «pink-black» team’s game garners such spectator attention.
The key moment of the match occurred at the 30th minute, when Marcelo Viagandt delivered a precise pass from the right flank into the penalty area, where Cremaski, outrunning «Crew» defender Malte Amundsen, directed the ball into the net past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. This was the young American midfielder’s first goal of the season and the first «Inter Miami» goal not scored by Messi in the last 277 minutes of play.
Despite active involvement, Messi was unable to add to his goal tally — his best opportunity came at the end of the first half, when the Argentine slightly missed, shooting past the left post.
In the second half, the hosts intensified their efforts, but the reliable play of «Inter Miami» goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who made three saves, helped keep a clean sheet and secure an important away victory.
After this win, «Inter Miami» remains among the leaders of the Eastern Conference with a record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 3 draws, while «Columbus Crew» suffered their first loss of the season — 5 wins, 1 loss, 3 draws.
The next meeting of the teams is expected with no less interest, as tension in the East is mounting, and Messi’s participation in MLS matches attracts huge attention — not only on the pitch but also in the stands.
