Overview
- The MLS match will kick off at 20:00 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus and will be broadcast on Apple TV on Sunday.
- Lionel Messi is reported available to start for Inter Miami and will join Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad after the game for the farewell friendly against Benín.
- Inter Miami sits third in the Eastern Conference with 46 points but has drawn four straight MLS matches and conceded 48 goals this season, a problem coach Cristian González says stems from ‘very basic’ defensive errors.
- The club will field a depleted roster during the FIFA window with seven players on international call-ups plus injured or doubtful players, forcing lineups that rely heavily on Messi and other remaining starters.
- Columbus enters the game weakened offensively after losing its four top scorers — Wessam Abou Ali to an ACL injury and Diego Rossi, Daniel Gazdag and Max Arfsten to transfers — while Messi arrives fresh off a Campeones Cup win and totals 20 goals and 13 assists this season.