Huntington Bank Field—In a much-anticipated battle of unbeaten teams, Inter Miami CF won 1-0 over the Columbus Crew. Benjamin Cremaschi scored the lone goal in a match where Columbus had multiple clear scoring chances go awry.
Old school #MLS original Columbus Crew 🆚 New school brash #InterMiamiCF clash in a battle of undefeated teams…#Messi & Miami are ready to make a claim as the top squad in the east… https://t.co/xyWrMAhhpV
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 19, 2025
Starting XI
Javier Mascherano continues to ride his veteran stars this season, as Messi, Busquets, Suarez, and Alba start the match versus Columbus. Rotations for the ex-Barca stars don’t appear to be on the coach’s mind. Ustari started at goalie, with Alba, Allen, Lujan, and Weigandt as his defensive line. Busquets, Cremaschi, and Bright in the midfield. Messi, Allende, and Suarez were the frontline attackers.
The Heron’s Starting XI has little rotation to face Columbus Crew… Lujan, Allen, start at CB for #InterMiamiCF with Cremaschi taking Segovia’s spot on the pitch…#MLS #Messi
pic.twitter.com/zqCrllDrNq— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 19, 2025
Match Action
Inter Miami and Columbus both came out pressing high and fast, giving little time for the player in possession to maneuver or think. After the initial minutes, it was clear that the Crew was more comfortable under pressure, and they began to control the flow of the match. Columbus created some early chances on goal, but as has been the case in so many matchups between these two teams, it was Inter Miami that was more effective.
Columbus has looked more comfortable in possession against Miami’s press than #InterMiamiCF has against the Crew’s press…#Messi & Suarez haven’t had too many quality touches 20 minutes into the match…#MLS pic.twitter.com/ETjArEpjcC
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 19, 2025
A wonderful switch from Luis Suarez found a streaking Marcelo Weigandt down the right flank. Chelo crosses a perfect ball for Benjamin Cremaschi, who dove and nailed the ball into the Columbus net for the lone goal of the match, 1-0 Miami, thirty minutes into the first half.
Cremaschi gives #InterMiamiCF the lead with a diving header off a one-touch cross from Weigandt…The Herons lead in a game where the Crew has been dominating possession…#MLS #Messi
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 19, 2025
The second half was all Columbus as the Crew had numerous clear chances in front of Miami’s goal, but a combination of great goalkeeping by Ustari and terrible luck for Columbus kept the 1-0 scoreline until the final whistle. The lone remaining unbeaten team flies back home with three hard-earned points.
Columbus has had multiple scoring chances inside the #InterMiamiCF box, & if not for fabulous last minute saves by Miami defenders, the Crew would be leading in this match by multiple goals IMO… #Messi has been quiet..#MLS pic.twitter.com/P0TWwNTAyu
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 19, 2025
Postgame
One of the main topics of conversation after the match was Messi’s health. He didn’t seem as dynamic or active as he had been this season for Inter Miami against Columbus. During the Apple TV broadcast, the reporters talked about Lionel walking straight to the locker room with what appeared to them to be a slight limp. Coach Javier Mascherano was asked if Messi had suffered any type of injury during the match,
He is fine, we spoke in the locker room, he is upset about how he played, but otherwise he is ok
Hopefully, it’s a non-story and Lionel Messi is healthy, because on Thursday night they have a huge game against Vancouver for the 1st leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. If Messi is dinged up, it would be a huge blow for Inter Miami CF.
🚨Watch: Lionel Messi walking to the locker room after the full time whistle 👀 pic.twitter.com/Dd9saP27kW
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) April 19, 2025
Final Thoughts
Inter Miami got away with one against Columbus. The Crew were the better team for the majority of the match, but the Herons got some key defensive stops inside their box to save the clean sheet. Sometimes, there are games like this, and being able to pull out a win is impressive.
Benjamin Cremaschi has been really good for Inter Miami this season. Mascherano has used Benja in his Starting XI in several different positions throughout the season because of his versatility. Cremaschi had a very good game against Columbus in front of a large crowd against one of the best teams in the league. The young Heron is flourishing in Miami.
Luis Suarez has not been his usual elite self this season for Miami. He’s going through a slump of not only not scoring goals, but also of making many mistakes on the pitch. Mascherano should give him a rest in one of the upcoming MLS matches; he can’t and won’t do it in CONCACAF Champions Cup.
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