It's Messi playing, time, TV, streaming

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play the finals ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup against the Columbus crew at Chase Stadium on Saturday night.

Messi has scored three goals in his last two games and is expected to face Columbus. His identity will be confirmed when Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the game begins.

The Columbus Crew and Miami International Miami have been one of the best clubs in the Major League Baseball in recent years, but both are struggling in 2025.

Miami has only won two of the last 10 games – they beat the crew 1-0 in Cleveland on April 19 and beat CF Montreal 4-2 last Wednesday. Columbus has won four victories, four draws and two losses in the last 10 games.

The Columbus crew won the MLS Cup in 2023, and the Miami International defeated the shield of MLS supporters in 2024. The two clubs also won the League Cup Championships – the 2023 Miami International Championship and the 2024 Columbus.

After Columbus's game, Messi will rejoin the Argentina national team's two World Cup qualifiers before Miami enters the club's World Cup.

Here is all you need to know about Miami’s crew match against Columbus and follow the live updates of USA Today Sports here:

When will Miami compete with the Columbus crew?

The game started Saturday night, at 7:30 pm ET (8:30 pm Argentina) at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The contest can be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Messi is expected to play a role, but his identity will be confirmed when Miami International Miami announced its starting lineup an hour before the game.

Inter Miami 2, Columbus 2: The game has a foundation based on how both teams worked hard to score and defend in recent games. It may boil down to Messi needing a goal to help Inter Mimiami steal the draw. –Safid

Miami International vs. Columbus crew gambling odds

International Miami is a favorite to win at home (+105), while Columbus' crew is the weak on the road (+195), with longer odds than a thorough victory (+290). According to Betmgm's data, the top/bottom targets are 3.5 targets.

The Miami International Bureau has won three of its last four games against the Columbus crew.

April 19, 2025: Benjamin Cremaschi scored the only goal in Miami's 1-0 victory in Cleveland.
October 2, 2024: Messi scored two goals, with Luis Suarez defeating Columbus 3-2 in Miami to beat MLS supporters' Shield Championship 3-2.
August 13, 2024: Columbus rushed into the game from his 2-0 deficit at home, beating Miami 3-2 in 16 rounds of the League Cup. Messi did not compete due to an ankle injury in his Copa America.
June 19, 2024: Miami beat Columbus 2-1 when Messi played with Argentina during the Copa America.

Messi is about to meet Argentina, Miami's schedule

This game was an informal start to another busy summer for Messi during his career with the American legend.

This is Messi's next step after Columbus's game:

June 5: Chile and Argentina, 9pm ET (World Cup Qualifiers)
June 10: Argentina and Colombia, 8 pm ET (qualifying)
June 14: 8 PM ET (Miami Club World Cup) Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly
June 19: 3pm ET (Atlanta Club World Cup) Inter Miami vs FC Porto
June 23: Miami vs. Palmerias International, 9pm ET (Miami Club World Cup)