Crew host Miami with hopes of igniting late run to playoffs

Although Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew are separated by 20 points and 10 places in the Eastern Conference standings, they followed similar paths recently heading into their Sunday meeting in Ohio. The big difference is Miami (12-4-10, 46 points) is third and seeking to maintain a top four spot and home-field advantage to begin the playoffs. Fortunately, the Herons will have Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul available despite seven teammates being called to international duty. The pair will join Argentina for Messi's international farewell match vs. Benin on Oct. 6 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Messi leads MLS with 33 goal contributions (20 goals, 13 assists). The Crew (7-14-5, 26 points) have five call-ups, including Cape Verde World Cup defender Steven Moreira. Columbus is 13th in the East, seven points and four teams back of the final postseason slot with eight matches to make up ground. That's why this match takes on so much importance, Crew midfielder Brais Mendez said. 'I think it helps us to push ourselves to the maximum, in the day-to-day, in matches,' he said. 'We know that every match moving forward for us is a final. We need to go get those wins by all means possible. We can't drop points. The pressure will push us to give our all in every match.' Mendez has had an impact on both teams. The summer transfer signee scored his first MLS goal on a free kick in the 84th minute to forge a 2-2 tie with Miami on Aug. 1. The match started a 2-6-1 stretch for the Crew in MLS games while beginning Miami's 1-2-6 mark in MLS play that includes draws in each of the past four matches. Miami coach Cristian Gonzalez, who will coach his second match since replacing interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, is excited to have fellow Rosario, Argentina, native Messi on his side. 'We're both from a city that's crazy about soccer, a city full of passion.' Gonzalez told marca.com. 'Ever since I arrived and got to know him, all I've wanted is for him to be happy.'