Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew - Match Preview
- Inter Miami CF have one win and one defeat in their last two home MLS matches Columbus Crew are winless in three away trips, with two draws and a defeat.
- Columbus Crew are winless in their last two away trips to Inter Miami CF
Star power could make the difference
Inter, who have played one fewer game than Columbus, are 11th in the USA MLS 2025 table with 23 points from 14 matches while Crew are seventh with 27 points from 15.
Javier Mascherano’s Miami have been much more entertaining than not since the Argentine took charge of the club in November 2024, but defensive lapses continue to haunt them. This Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew preview shows that Miami have won one, drawn two and lost two of their five MLS games, but they have scored 13 goals in seven home fixtures this year.
Messi remains Miami’s talisman with the 37-year-old Argentinian top of their scoring charts with six goals in 11 MLS games.
Crew are a possession-based team
Diego Rossi has been the man leading the line for Columbus with 7 goals in 14 MLS appearances, so his scoring form is just as reliable as Messi’s at the other end of the field.
Wilfried Nancy’s Crew are more of a possession-based football team, although they can be flexible and have shown they can still come back after going behind.
After a 1-1 away draw at CF Montreal, Columbus drew 1-1 at home to FC Cincinnati before losing 3-2 away to Charlotte FC in the next fixture. According to our Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew prediction, Columbus have conceded 9 goals in their seven away league fixtures this season.
Miami’s 3-4-3 system, which is built around Messi and relies on star quality and attacking flair, will always be more prone to defensive errors than Nancy’s possession-based approach, which relies on deliberate build-up and organized pressing.
Two draws in last two meetings
Each team has won one of the two previous meetings between these clubs this season with Inter coming out on top in the most recent clash – a 1-0 win away five weeks ago. Columbus have not won in their two away fixtures to Miami CF, and the Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew betting tips suggest we doubt they can do it on Saturday.
Mascherano’s men have a better attacking flair and an edge in terms of star power, which is why they are marginal favourites at 2.27 compared to Columbus at 3.03 with the draw priced at 3.25 based on the latest Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew odds. But Nancy’s team has been very resilient on the road, with three wins, three draws and one loss from seven away fixtures, so we’re expecting a close contest.
Tadeo Allende is on fire for Miami with three goals in his last five MLS games and Messi or Rossi could come up with a bit of magic to swing the game. But we’re going with both teams to score in the odds-on market as an alternative. This Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew prediction leans towards an entertaining match with goals at both ends.
