Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami: Jamal Thiaré Scores Late Winner as Crew Secure Dramatic 2-1 Victory

Columbus Crew will host Inter Miami CF in an important MLS regular-season fixture at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM EDT in the United States, which is 4:30 AM IST on Monday, September 28, in India.

Inter Miami will look to continue its push up the Eastern Conference standings, while Columbus Crew will aim to use home advantage to collect valuable points. Both teams have shown attacking quality in recent matches, setting up an interesting contest between two sides with different objectives as the regular season progresses.

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Inter Miami enter the game with 46 points, placing them third in the Eastern Conference, while Columbus Crew have 26 points and sit 13th. The difference in their league positions makes this a significant match for both teams, although Columbus will hope its recent performances provide momentum against a Miami side with several dangerous attacking options.

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami: Match Details

Columbus Crew Aim to Build on Recent Wins

Columbus Crew head into this fixture after a 2-0 victory over CF Montréal in MLS. Mohammed Farsi and Brais Méndez scored in that match, giving Columbus a positive result ahead of the meeting with Inter Miami. The Crew also defeated Orlando City 2-1 in midweek action in the U.S. Open Cup.

These results could give Columbus additional confidence, particularly with the team playing at home. However, consistency has been a concern during the league campaign. With 14 defeats in 26 matches, Columbus need to turn promising performances into regular MLS points.

Brais Méndez could be an important player in the attacking third, while Santiago Rodríguez will be expected to help create chances and connect the midfield with the forwards. Columbus may look to press aggressively in the opening stages and take advantage of opportunities before Miami settle into the game.

Inter Miami Look to Maintain Their Momentum

Inter Miami arrive in Columbus after a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez scored in that match, although Miami were unable to secure all three points.

Despite the draw, Miami remain in a strong position in the Eastern Conference. Their attacking output has been a major feature of the season, with Messi contributing goals and assists and Suárez providing another experienced option in the final third.

Inter Miami have also performed well away from home this season. Their ability to create chances in different conditions could be important against Columbus, who will attempt to make the most of their home advantage.

However, Miami’s team selection could be affected by international-duty absences and other availability issues. The final lineup will therefore be important in determining how aggressively they can approach the match.

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record

Inter Miami have held the advantage in previous meetings between the two clubs. The available head-to-head record shows seven wins for Miami, three for Columbus Crew and two draws.

Their most recent meeting earlier in August 2026 ended in a 2-2 draw. That result demonstrated Columbus’s ability to compete with Miami, even though the Florida side have generally had the better record in this matchup.

The head-to-head numbers provide useful context, but they do not guarantee a similar result this time. Columbus will have home support behind them, while Miami’s current league position and attacking quality make them a threat.

The central question will be whether Columbus can limit Miami’s chances while making their own attacking opportunities count.

Team News and Injury Updates

Columbus Crew Team News

Columbus will be without Wessam Abou Ali, who has been reported with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. International-duty absences could also affect the team’s available options, including players such as Chase Adams, Nicholas Hagen, Steven Moreira, Cole Mrowka and Gonzalo Tapia.

The final availability picture should be checked closer to kickoff, as squad selections and international commitments can change the expected lineup.

Columbus are likely to rely on their defensive organisation and the creativity of their midfielders. The team will need to avoid giving Miami too much space around the penalty area, particularly when the visitors move the ball quickly between the lines.

Inter Miami Team News

Inter Miami also have potential absences to manage. Tadeo Allende has been reported with a knee injury, Israel Boatwright with an ACL injury, and Yannick Bright has been listed as suspended.

International-duty commitments could affect the availability of Lionel Messi and other players. Messi’s status is particularly important because of his influence on Miami’s chance creation and attacking play.

Supporters should treat all projected lineups as provisional until the clubs confirm their starting elevens.

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Predicted Lineups

The following are projected lineups, not confirmed team selections. They may change depending on injuries, suspensions and international-duty availability.

Columbus Crew Predicted Lineup

Formation: 4-4-2

Patrick Schulte; Mohamed Farsi, Rudy Camacho, Sean Zawadzki, Malte Amundsen; Max Arfsten, André Gomes, Taha Habroune, Brais Méndez; Santiago Rodríguez, Josef Martínez.

Columbus could use a two-forward setup to put pressure on Miami’s defenders and create opportunities from crosses and quick combinations. The midfield will need to maintain its shape while supporting the attack.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup

Formation: 4-3-3

Rocco Ríos Novo; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcón, Micael, Sergio Reguilón; Federico Redondo, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi.

This projected lineup is subject to significant availability questions, particularly regarding international duty. If Messi or other regular starters are unavailable, Miami could make changes to its attacking structure and midfield.

The confirmed starting elevens should be checked shortly before kickoff.

Key Players to Watch

Brais Méndez — Columbus Crew

Méndez scored in Columbus’s recent win over Montréal and could play a key role in creating chances against Miami. His passing, movement and ability to find space around the penalty area could help the hosts challenge the visitors’ defence.

Santiago Rodríguez — Columbus Crew

Rodríguez will be another player to watch. His ability to carry the ball forward and connect the midfield with the attack could be important if Columbus want to create chances without leaving too much space for Miami’s counterattacks.

Lionel Messi — Inter Miami

Messi remains one of Miami’s most influential attacking players, contributing both goals and assists. His availability for this match, however, needs to be confirmed because of potential international-duty commitments.

Luis Suárez — Inter Miami

Suárez offers Miami an experienced presence in front of goal. His movement inside the box and ability to convert chances could be especially important if the visitors are without some of their usual attacking options.

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Match Prediction

This fixture could be closely contested, with Columbus looking to take advantage of home support and Miami bringing a stronger league position into the game.

Columbus have shown signs of improvement with consecutive wins in different competitions. Their best opportunity may be to press selectively, attack through the wide areas and prevent Miami from controlling possession around the box.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, have demonstrated their ability to score against different opponents. If their key attacking players are available, they could cause Columbus problems through quick passing combinations and movement in the final third. However, any international-duty absences could make the visitors’ task more difficult.

Our pre-match prediction: Columbus Crew 1-2 Inter Miami CF.

This is an editorial prediction, not a confirmed outcome. A draw is also possible, particularly if Columbus defend effectively and Miami are missing several regular starters.

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami: How to Watch

The match is scheduled to take place at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. The listed kickoff time is 7:00 PM EDT on Sunday, September 27, which corresponds to 4:30 AM IST on Monday, September 28.

Fans can check Apple TV for the live broadcast and streaming information available in their region.

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