Inter Miami remained the only unbeaten team in Major League Soccer after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew on Saturday, in front of a massive crowd of 60,614 at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

Though Lionel Messi had a relatively quiet game, it was 19-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi who delivered the decisive moment. His diving header in the 30th minute, following a pinpoint cross from Marcelo Weigandt, gave Miami the edge in a match that saw Columbus dominate much of the play.

Columbus, who share ownership with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, brought a strong following for the rare Ohio showdown, and nearly took the lead in the 25th minute when Daniel Gazdag’s lofted shot sailed just over the bar. Max Arfsten also forced Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into action before the opening goal came against the run of play.

Luis Suárez initiated the move with a long switch to the right flank, where Weigandt delivered a first-time cross that Cremaschi buried with a low diving header past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

Messi showed flashes of brilliance, notably just after the goal when he weaved past three defenders and fired narrowly wide from 25 yards, but largely remained on the periphery.

Columbus pressed relentlessly in the second half but lacked the cutting edge in the final third — a void left by former star striker Cucho Hernández, who transferred to Real Betis earlier this year. Diego Rossi missed a clear opportunity from the middle of the box, and Arfsten’s solo effort lacked power. In stoppage time, Gazdag squandered a golden chance, misfiring with the outside of his foot.

“This is a huge result for the team,” said Cremaschi post-match. “We came all the way here against one of the best teams in the league. They played really well, and so we are happy for the three points.”

Elsewhere, Brandon Vazquez’s late goal lifted Austin FC to a 1-0 win over struggling defending champions LA Galaxy, who are still without a victory this season and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with just three points from nine matches.