Follow live: Messi, Inter Miami take on Columbus Crew
Inter Miami CF traveled to Gro Field to face the Columbus Crew in a high-stakes regular season encounter on September 27, 2026. The match highlighted the ongoing battle for playoff positioning and the pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield.
Tactical Stakes in the Eastern Conference
The matchup between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF served as a pivotal moment in the 2026 MLS regular season [4][6]. For Inter Miami, the primary objective remains securing a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference to ensure a favorable playoff seeding [6]. Simultaneously, the club continues its pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield, the trophy awarded to the team with the best overall regular-season record [5].
Columbus Crew entered the fixture with significant pressure of their own, fighting to keep their playoff aspirations alive [5]. The clash at Gro Field represented a high-stakes showdown where both teams had substantial goals to achieve before the season's conclusion [5][6].
Squad Dynamics and Personnel Challenges
Inter Miami faced considerable roster difficulties heading into the fixture, as Lionel Messi was forced to play without seven of his teammates [2]. Despite these absences, the Argentine superstar remained the focal point of the team's offensive strategy and the central attraction for the match [1][7].
On the opposing side, the Columbus Crew navigated their own roster transitions [9]. The match served as a test of both teams' depth and their ability to maintain performance levels despite missing key personnel or integrating new players into the lineup [2][9].
Match Action and Performance Analysis
The game was characterized by a high-scoring nature, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both sides [3]. Lionel Messi was actively involved in the offensive efforts, though he faced challenges in converting specific opportunities, including a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that went too high [8].
Despite the missed attempts, Messi remained a constant threat, with the Columbus Crew defense tasked specifically with neutralizing his influence on the game [5][8]. The match ultimately concluded in a 2-2 draw, with Brais Mendez playing a decisive role in securing the result during his debut [9].
The result ensures that both teams remain in the hunt for their respective objectives, though Inter Miami must now manage their depleted squad to maintain their momentum in the race for the Supporters' Shield [2][5].