In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, Inter Miami CF, the reigning Leagues Cup champions, are set to face off against the defending MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew in the Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night. The winner of this highly anticipated match will advance to the quarterfinals on August 17, where they will meet either Tigres UANL or New York City FC, in a bid to secure a spot in the grand finale on August 25.
This prestigious tournament, akin to the World Cup, sees a total of 47 clubs participating, with 18 teams from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS pausing their respective domestic seasons for the month-long competition. The ultimate prize is to be crowned champion, with the top three finishers earning a ticket to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Columbus Crew, after receiving a bye in the Group Stage, put on a spectacular display in the Round of 32, demolishing Sporting Kansas City 4-0. Diego Rossi’s brace, accompanied by goals from DeJuan Jones and Dylan Chambost, showcased the team’s attacking prowess and defensive stability under Wilfried Nancy’s guidance. The depth in their squad makes them a strong contender for the title, with Cucho Hernández yet to make his mark in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami had a rollercoaster of a match in the Round of 32, emerging victorious with a narrow 4-3 win over Toronto FC. Jordi Alba’s four assists, along with goals from Matías Rojas, Luis Suárez, and Diego Gómez, secured their passage to the next round. However, the team’s resolve was tested when new signing David Martínez received a red card early on, forcing Sergio Busquets to drop back into defense alongside Tomás Avilés.
Despite missing key players like Martínez and Lionel Messi due to injury, Inter Miami’s quality and depth make them strong contenders to progress in the tournament. Having already defeated Columbus Crew 2-1 in a league match back in June, the Supporters’ Shield leaders will be looking to replicate that success in the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup.
