The lineup report says Messi is on the bench after returning from international duty, with De Paul included in the starting side. It also credits Messi with 12 goals and seven assists in 18 appearances, underlining the attacking influence Miami can call upon if the match needs a change of pace.
That leaves a clear question for the game: how long can Miami control the contest before turning to their leading creator? De Paul’s presence from the start offers experience in midfield, but Messi’s reported substitute role means the home side may have to find early threat through other options.
The report places Miami second in the East on 37 points from 17 matches, two behind Nashville, and says the club arrives on a run of six consecutive wins. Columbus are listed 11th, with 19 points from 17 games, though their reported win over FC Cincinnati offers a recent lift.
Recent head-to-head history also favours Miami: the report gives them seven wins to Columbus’s three, with one draw. Their last meeting, in May 2025, ended 5-1 to Miami. Those figures frame a demanding test for the visitors, even if past results cannot settle this one.
The same report lists Telasco Segovia as suspended and says Tadeo Allende and Germán Berterame are uncertain. If those reported absences hold, Miami’s depth could be tested alongside the decision to keep Messi in reserve.
The next storyline is whether Miami can extend their winning run before Messi enters the match-and whether Columbus can disrupt a side chasing the top spot in the East.