CLEVELAND — Known for his extraordinary journey across the world of soccer, Lionel Messi is set to add yet another memorable experience to his storied career. On Saturday, the Argentine icon will tackle a new kind of spectacle at Cleveland’s famed Dawg Pound.
In a twist of tradition, Crew supporters will replace the usual Cleveland Browns fanfare in the East end zone bleachers, as the Columbus Crew hosts Inter Miami with Messi in tow.
Since the Haslam Sports Group’s acquisition of the Columbus Crew in 2019, the franchise gained the opportunity to host matches in Cleveland, given the owners’ ties to the Cleveland Browns as well.
“This moment with Messi offers us a chance to pack the stadium and introduce Northeast Ohio to the vibrant Columbus Crew ambiance,” stated Josh Glessing, the Crew’s president of business operations and chief strategy developer for the Haslam Sports Group.
For Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, this match marks his 11th appearance in an NFL venue. This strategic move to larger stadiums has previously seen a remarkable turnout of an average 61,507 spectators across nine regular-season and one playoff match.
Similarly, Sporting Kansas City previously drew 72,610 fans during a switch to Arrowhead Stadium, moving from their usual 18,467 capacity home ground.
Several MLS teams such as Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, the Chicago Fire, and New England Revolution already make NFL facilities their regular homes. Recently, a record-breaking gathering of 62,358 fans cheered on Chicago Fire at Soldier Field during a scoreless draw.
Expectations are high for the Crew to surpass their previous single-game attendance record of 31,550, set back in 1996 against the New York-New Jersey MetroStars at Ohio Stadium.
“Messi’s influence extends beyond packed stadiums. His presence leaves behind a legacy impact that is larger than many currently realize,” commented Camilo Durana, MLS executive vice president.
Northeast Ohio itself boasts a deep soccer tradition. The once-thriving Force of the Major Indoor Soccer League attracted top audiences during the 1980s. Moreover, the region has become fertile ground for youth development, highlighted by the University of Akron’s national achievements, including their Division I NCAA triumph in 2010 and multiple College Cup finals appearances.
The area continues to foster talent, with Cleveland’s soccer-centric projects like the prospect of a Women’s Professional Soccer League Pro team, a subsidiary of the NWSL.
Over time, Huntington Bank Field has hosted prominent matches, including U.S. men’s and women’s national team fixtures and the notable CONCACAF Gold Cup doubleheaders.
Despite being an MLS founding member, the Crew has faced rising competition from the state’s fans since FC Cincinnati joined in 2019.
“Our aim is to cultivate local support for the Crew and inspire fans from Cleveland to experience the team in Columbus,” Glessing noted. “If executed well, this venture could build lasting fan engagement beyond the match.”
Fans are particularly intrigued by the match not just due to Messi’s magic, but also as it sets the stage for a clash of MLS’s unbeaten leaders. With the Crew at 5-0-3 leading the Eastern Conference and Inter Miami holding a 4-0-3 record close behind, anticipation is at its peak.
Messi has already notched three goals and two assists in his opening four MLS matches. For Crew midfielder Sean Zawadzki, hailing from nearby Olmsted Falls, the fixture holds a personal significance.
“It’s quite meaningful. Growing up as a Browns supporter in Cleveland, this opportunity to play close to home, surrounded by family and friends, is something special,” expressed Zawadzki. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the match.”