In a matchup billed as a clash between two of the Eastern Conference's best, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami made it a one-sided affair, cruising to a 5-1 win over the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium Saturday night.

Lionel Messi scored for the fifth time in three Major League Soccer matches to put Inter Miami up 3-0 early against the Columbus Crew.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10), left, and Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez (9), right, walk off the team bus before the start of the first half of their MLS match at Chase Stadium on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com