When expectation builds for one of the most profiled fixtures in the early MLS season, Inter Miami is preparing for the Columbus crew this Saturday April 19, In what promises to be a historical collision. The match will take place not in Columbus, but at 67,000-seat Huntington Bank Field in ClevelandA surprising place change that has raised the eyebrows and driven speculation.
The essence of the buzz is of course Lionel Messiwhose presence continues to be both a magnet for fans and a logistical phenomenon in MLS. But as Game Day approaches the fans asks a critical question: Will Messi take the field in Cleveland with Luis Suarez?
Matchup between league’s two remaining undefeated pages—Inter Miami and the Columbus crew – already carry enough weight to draw national attention. But Decision to move the game from Columbus’ Lower.com field to Clevelands Huntington Bank Field raised the occasion to something much greater.
This move, orchestrated by Dee and Jimmy Haslamwhich owns both the crew and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, was largely affected by a man: Messi. “Draw of Messi was an important reason behind moving the game,” said sources near the Haslams, as reported by Columbus Dispatch. The couple’s civic ties to Cleveland and Logistical easy to host the game at Brown’s place made the move to a business decision as much as a sporty decision.
Still, the move has not sat well with some fans, especially since the team effectively sacrifices the home advantage by moving 145 miles from their base. That said, This is not Messi’s first meeting with the crew. In October last year He got twice and added an assist in Miami’s 3-2 victory at Lower.com FieldTo give fans in Columbus first hand look at his brilliance.
Messi’s recent injury and return
To drive the uncertainty about Argentin’s status of Cleveland collision is his Recent recovery from an adductor injurymaintained when you scored against Atlanta United at March 16.
That injury on the side of Messi during the international breakKeep him away from Argentina’s World Cup qualification. But fortunately for Inter Miami, the league’s schedule gave the 37-year-old a little breathing room.
After missing time, Veteran returned to the pitch on March 29 against Philadelphia UnionPlay 35 minutes and find the net again. Since then, He has presented in every game for Miamiincluding both legs of Concacaf Champions Cup quarter final against LAFCHelp move on with a 3-2 total victory. So will Heron’s captain be available for this weekend’s showdown?
Will Messi play with Luis Suarez?
According to Columbus DispatchThe Lionel Messi is expected to be available for Inter Miami’s fixture against the Columbus crew in Cleveland. After his recovery, He has not shown any remaining effects from the injuryAnd all the indications are that he will be in the starting lineup for one of MLS’s most awaited games during the season.
It is good news not only for Inter Miami fans, but also for the more than 60,000 ticket holders in Cleveland who knock on the opportunity to witness the legend live.
