This might also prove a preview of an explosive postseason faceoff as well, and the Rosanegra securing a major piece of hardware on Columbus’ turf would lay down a powerful marker.
“I think the level of the game is going to be a kind of playoff game,” predicted Columbus attacker Diego Rossi.
Those are the stakes. Then there are the headliners: The brilliance of Messi and the galvanizing effect he’s had on his entire club on and off the pitch, pitted against the collective excellence of Wilfried Nancy’s slick-passing Crew, themselves spearheaded by one of the league’s very best, Colombian striker Cucho Hernández.
Notably, both sides readily acknowledge the other’s quality. Martino called Columbus “the best team in the league, by far” earlier this season, while Nancy and his squad – “It’s always nice to play against players like this, that’s why we play football,” said Camacho – say they’re eager to test themselves against Messi, who missed both of this year’s previous meetings.
“Listen, Messi is Messi,” said Nancy. “I have obviously a massive respect for him because he’s been part of my example when I try to teach certain things with my players. Because he’s a player that yes, obviously he won many, many things. But also what I like about him is he plays with common sense. So when there is a pass to make, he is going to pass the ball. When he sees the moment to dribble, he’s going to do it. And for me, this is rare to see that.
“My players, yeah, they know that Miami is coming with Messi, and we know that this is a good game for both teams … this is [also] good for the league.”
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