Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami: What to know for Sunday Night Soccer
· Yahoo Sports
By Jaime Uribarri
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Brais Méndez and the Columbus Crew welcome Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami CF for a key Eastern Conference showdown during Matchday 28's Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire.
How to watch & stream
- Apple TV
When
- Sunday, Sept. 27 | 7 pm ET/4 pm PT
Where
- ScottsMiracle-Gro Field | Columbus, Ohio
Match Trailer | Columbus Crew set for Inter Miami clash
Columbus Crew
Standings
- 13th in Eastern Conference
- 26 points (7W-14L-5D)
Last game
The Crew won 2-0 at CF Montréal on Matchday 27, getting second-half goals from Mohammed Farsi and Brais Méndez.
The result snapped a two-game league losing streak and built on their 2-1 midweek victory over Orlando City, which clinched a spot – and hosting rights – in the 2026 US Open Cup Final.
Players to watch
- Brais Méndez: The Crew's marquee summer signing from LaLiga side Real Sociedad has lived up to the billing, producing 3g/3a in his first nine MLS games.
- Santiago Rodríguez: Another newly arrived Designated Player, Rodríguez notched two assists vs. Orlando to help Columbus reach their first USOC final since 2010.
- Josef Martínez: The former Landon Donovan MLS MVP and Golden Boot presented by Audi winner is looking to score his first league goal with the Crew.
- Taha Habroune: The 20-year-old homegrown midfielder and US youth international has emerged as an every-game starter for the Crew.
Need to know
With eight regular-season games remaining, the Crew are running out of time to enter the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs picture.
Currently seven points behind rivals FC Cincinnati, who occupy the East's ninth and final playoff spot, Columbus could significantly improve their postseason chances with a statement Sunday Night Soccer performance.
Additionally, a primetime win over the reigning MLS Cup presented by Audi champions would do wonders for their confidence as they prepare to host St. Louis CITY SC in next month's US Open Cup final.
Inter Miami CF
Standings
- 3rd in Eastern Conference
- 46 points (12W-4L-10D)
Last game
Inter Miami couldn't ride the momentum of their Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup triumph over LIGA MX powerhouse Cruz Azul and settled for a 2-2 home draw against San Diego FC.
An Anders Dreyer brace cancelled out goals from Messi and Luis Suárez, including an 82nd-minute equalizer by the Danish international.
Players to watch
- Lionel Messi: The legendary No. 10 and reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP leads MLS with 33 goal contributions (20g/13a) before he plays his farewell match for Argentina.
- Luis Suárez: After losing his starting job during Miami's run to MLS Cup 2025, Suárez has reclaimed the club's starting striker role with 13g/8a this season.
- Rodrigo De Paul: The star Argentine midfielder has 4g/12a during his first full MLS season.
- Casemiro: The Brazilian international has proven his versatility, playing predominantly at center back since joining the Herons over the summer.
Need to know
Inter Miami recently lifted a fourth trophy in as many years, winning Campeones Cup for the club's first title capture at Nu Stadium.
However, the Herons have struggled to impose themselves at their new Downtown Miami home, earning 19 of 39 points (4W-2L-7D record).
But Miami have the league's best away record (8W-2L-3D; 27 points). They'll look to maintain their strong road form under the Sunday Night Soccer spotlight to help secure a top-four finish, as they look to become the league's first back-to-back MLS Cup champions since the LA Galaxy (2011-2012).
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Miami are slightly favored with 44% of the market, compared to 35% for Columbus.
Market insights shared are current as of Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11 am ET.