Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami Live: Lineups, Score Updates & How to Watch the MLS Showdown

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF roll into Lower.com Field on Saturday, May 31, 2025, for a heavyweight MLS clash with reigning champions Columbus Crew—a fixture already circled as one of the season’s marquee showdowns. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and every ticket was snapped up within minutes, while secondary-market prices have surged past $300 as Ohio fans hope to witness Messi’s first competitive appearance in Columbus. Viewers nationwide can stream the match on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with English and Spanish commentary options, and local radio coverage on 97.1 The Fan (Crew) and 560 WNAM (Inter Miami). Form guide • Columbus Crew: WLDDL – Wilfried Nancy’s side has been uncharacteristically shaky since striker Cucho Hernández went down with a hamstring strain, managing just five points from the last five league outings. New Designated Player Daniel Gazdag is still looking for his debut goal but leads MLS in key passes per 90 minutes among midfielders. • Inter Miami: WWWDW – Messi’s two-goal, one-assist masterclass in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Charlotte put him atop the Golden Boot race with 14 tallies, while Luis Suárez (10 goals) and Federico Redondo (five assists) round out a league-best attack. Key storylines 1. Messi vs Nancy’s press: Columbus loves to bait opponents into turnovers high up the pitch, but Messi’s ability to drop deep and switch play could stretch the Crew’s lines and expose full-back spaces. 2. Midfield battle: Darlington Nagbe and Aidan Morris must slow Miami’s metronome Sergio Busquets; expect heavy rotation and tactical fouls to disrupt rhythm. 3. Set-piece duel: Columbus leads MLS in expected goals from corners, yet Miami ranks first in defending them, conceding just once all season. Projected lineups Columbus Crew (3-4-2-1): Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Cheberko; Yeboah, Morris, Nagbe, Farsi; Zelarayán, Gazdag; Ramirez. Inter Miami (4-3-3): Callender; Yedlin, Avilés, Kryvtsov, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Gressel; Messi, Suárez, Taylor. Injury report • Columbus: Cucho Hernández (hamstring) OUT; Will Sands (ACL) OUT. • Inter Miami: Jordi Alba (calf) probable; Robbie Robinson (ankle) questionable. Prediction and betting odds Sportsbooks list Inter Miami as slight +145 road favorites, Columbus +170, Draw +260. With Messi firing and the Crew missing their talisman, a 3-2 Miami victory feels likely—but if Columbus convert set pieces early, an upset is on the cards. Why it matters Beyond three points, Saturday could be a preview of a high-stakes playoff rematch. The Crew dethroned LAFC for last year’s MLS Cup, while Miami’s winter spending spree was designed for trophies now. Expect playoff-level intensity, global eyeballs, and another chapter in MLS’s newest rivalry.