The Crew plays a possession-style attack, as does Miami, and is getting adjusted to playing without Cucho Hernandez, who left for Spanish club Real Betis. Daniel Gazdag, a designated player who joined Columbus from Philadelphia, remains scoreless through his first eight games with the Crew and has no assists.

Messi has scored 13 goals in 19 games across all competitions for Inter Miami this season, while Suarez has seven goals in 20 games. It was a resurgent effort by both stars — Messi won MLS MVP last year, while Suarez was also a finalist for the award.