Columbus Crew – Inter Miami 04/19/25

Everything is set for a big match on American scale: two undefeated teams, top of the table in play and Messi back from injury. Inter Miami has had the headlines and the superstars – but the Columbus Crew have had the wins. Three in a row, to be exact. And they are the ones who now sit atop the Eastern Conference.

Still, it's probably Messi who gets the crowd going – so many, in fact, that the game has been moved to Cleveland. But those who turn up to watch the magic from Miami may soon get a powerful reminder that football is also about structure, pace, and goals from Uruguay.

It is the Crew who have been the league's most stable force so far – and they are the ones who enter this match with both rhythm, calm and self-confidence.

Columbus Crew – A team with plans A, B and Diego Rossi

It's easy to get blindsided by the names on the opponent's team, but Columbus isn't here to watch. They've been building brick by brick since the start of the season – and now they've got both results and rhythm. Three straight 2-1 wins, and an attacking line that both creates and finishes.

Central to this is Diego Rossi, who has found scoring form with five goals – three of them in the last three games. He combines smart movement with high efficiency, and if he gets space, he hits. Crew has also strengthened with Dániel Gazdag, who could be a wild card in the spring.

The team thrives on the ball, uses its width well and has a clear plan when attacking – and that makes them one of the most corner-producing teams in MLS, especially at home. And even though this game is being played in Cleveland, the atmosphere will feel like home.

Inter Miami – Show, stars and tired legs?

Inter Miami have had a hectic schedule, and they have been involved in everything that moves – both in MLS and in the Concacaf Champions League. There they recently came back from 0-1 down against LAFC to win thanks to Messi magic. But in MLS, things have been less glamorous lately: 2-2 against Toronto (despite a 70% chance of winning beforehand), and 0-0 against Chicago in a game full of yellow cards and frustration.

Messi is back and getting involved in most of the action – and so is Luis Suárez, who has five assists so far. But there is something more shaky about the team, especially when they face teams that deny them time and space.

They are still creating chances, but have not been as clinical as they were at the start of the season. When they are behind, there are often periods of high pressure, crosses and set pieces – and that is a pattern that can be recognised.

Conclusion – When stardust meets structure

This match has the potential to be one of the best of the round. Messi and Miami are chasing back the top of the table, while Columbus Crew are chasing respect – and more points in the bank. The stage is set for a match with high temperature, technical quality and maybe a little spark.

We expect a match where both teams have their periods. Columbus will control the ball, and Inter will strike quickly when the opportunity arises. And when such teams meet, one thing often arises: corner pressure. The teams have comparable statistics when it comes to corners, but it is especially when Inter has to advance that the corner lines start to take on a life of their own.

At the same time, several of their games have been open – but not goal-rich. Chances are created, but the goalkeepers (and the posts) have also been involved.

Bet suggestions

MLS At 22:30: Columbus Crew - Inter Miami: Inter Miami over 3.5 corners (1.68)

They produce an average of over 5 per game – and often get extra points when they chase. In 6 out of 7 MLS games they have passed this line.

Alternative game:

Under 3.5 goals & over 8.5 corners total (2.26)

Two teams that have the ability to create, but also close well. The game could be close, but the corners should come at both ends.