Messi Set for Historic Match in Cleveland
Lionel Messi, the celebrated Argentine soccer star, is poised to enter the Dawg Pound this Saturday as the Columbus Crew face Inter Miami at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. This match represents not only a unique venue choice but also a significant moment for both the Crew and the fans in Northeast Ohio.
Match Details and Venue Arrangement
This upcoming match marks the 11th instance of Messi competing in an NFL stadium since he joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023. The Crew, under the ownership of the Haslam Sports Group—who also own the Cleveland Browns—has taken the opportunity to host a match in Cleveland since acquiring the franchise in 2019. Josh Glessing, President of Business Operations for the Crew, expressed optimism about bringing an engaging soccer experience to a packed stadium, stating, “This is a unique moment in time with Messi where we can fill the building and ensure that the first experience that Northeast Ohio has with the Columbus Crew is in a packed house.”
Expected Attendance and Historical Context
The Crew anticipates setting a club record with attendance expected to exceed 31,550, the previous high established in 1996. Last year, Sporting Kansas City attracted 72,610 fans for a match against Inter Miami at Arrowhead Stadium, demonstrating Messi’s ability to draw crowds across the league. Additionally, matches at Soldier Field in Chicago and other NFL venues have seen impressive attendance figures, further emphasizing the star power of Messi and his impact on MLS.
Local Sentiment and Historical Significance
Despite the excitement surrounding Messi’s visit, local supporters’ group, the Nordecke, has voiced their discontent regarding the Cleveland match, indicating that they will not provide traditional support tools such as chant-leaders for this event. Their dissatisfaction stems from the decision to relocate the match, a choice announced in December.
Northeast Ohio has its own soccer history, with the defunct Major Indoor Soccer League’s Cleveland Force being popular in the 1980s. Recent years have seen growth in youth soccer programs, and the University of Akron has notably succeeded in NCAA Division I soccer.
Future Prospects and Fan Engagement
Glessing remarked on the importance of fostering a new generation of fans in Cleveland, hinting at future engagement opportunities. He stated, “We think it’s got a real half-life with the Crew in Columbus. If we can do this right, we can create new fans in Cleveland.”
Match-Up Highlights
This match not only showcases Messi’s allure but also features two of the only unbeaten teams in MLS this season. The Crew currently leads the Eastern Conference with 18 points, while Inter Miami is closely following with 15 points from fewer matches. Messi currently has three goals and two assists in this MLS season, reflecting his continuing influence on the game.
Columbus Crew midfielder Sean Zawadzki, a local product, has expressed keen anticipation for the match, highlighting the significance of playing in front of friends and family: “To me, it means a lot… So I’m just really looking forward to the game.”
As the match day approaches, Cleveland residents and soccer fans alike are set for an unforgettable experience as Messi takes center stage once more.
Information for this report was sourced from The Associated Press and ESPN.