Defending Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami CF go on the road to meet the reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew in a blockbuster Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Lionel Messi continues to recover from a ligament injury in his right ankle, incurred in the Copa America Final with Argentina, but the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba are available for selection when the Florida side steps on the field in the Ohio capital.
“It's going to be a good game to play,” said Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy. “We know that this is a good team. I [was] hoping that Messi can play, because it's going to be the first time, but this is not possible for the moment, and simple as that. You know me, I like to prepare the game in a logical way, so the idea is to analyze Miami. We know that they have good players and it's going to be a good game to play.”
The two sides met earlier this year, in June, as Inter Miami won 2-1 at home in MLS play. Ian Fray and Leonardo Campana scored the opening goals before Cucho Hernández cut the deficit for The Crew.
“It's another competition, but same opponent,” said Columbus Crew defender Rudy Camacho. “We need to show better than the MLS game. We really want to win against them. So different game, but same mentality.”
That last encounter came 18 days after Columbus lost in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final at CF Pachuca. Despite winning that meeting, the Miami contingent praised its upcoming opponents as it is their turn to play away.
“With respect to Columbus, I say it again, it is the best team in the league,” said Inter Miami CF head coach Gerardo Martino. “Because it has a very defined style of play and particularly because I like that style very much. It is a team that normally subdues its rivals. When I say subdues, I am not saying that this means that it wins every game, but normally the game is played according to what they want.”
For being the MLS champions, Columbus Crew received a bye into the Round of 32. The Ohio club won 4-nil against Sporting Kansas City to start its current campaign. Diego Rossi scored a brace with one goal coming from a Cucho Hernández assist.
“Columbus' attacking players are very good,” said Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Drake Callender. “I think it's something that we experienced in league play. They have a lot of threats, really. All of them are quality players.
“Of course, it's Leagues Cup. It goes straight to pens after regular time, so if it comes down to it, I feel prepared,” added Callender.
Inter Miami CF qualified to the knockout stage after finishing top two in East 3 against Tigres UANL and Puebla. Miami won 4-3 over Toronto FC in the previous round as Jordi Alba set a new tournament record with four assists in a single match.
A trip to the quarterfinals lies ahead for the victor to face the winner of Tigres UANL and New York City FC. Columbus has secured its best finish after falling on penalties in the Round of 32 in the 2023 edition.
