The Leo Messi show in Miami rolls on this week with two different matches — one with the superstar player in the lineup (maybe) and one without (confirmed). We’ve analyzed both Inter Miami matchups and were confident in two bets. Keep reading if you want to profit this week!
- What: Inter Miami games
- When: Sunday (vs. Orlando City) and Wednesday (vs. Houston)
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City
Inter Miami won its most recent matchup 4-0 over Toronto FC. But it suffered “collateral damage” in the process as both Messi and Jordi Alba left the game early with injuries. Both have already been ruled out against Orlando City on Sunday by coach Tata Martino. Because of that, Orlando is favored over Miami across the best betting sites for soccer:
| Outcome |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | +285 | +285 | +285 |
| Orlando | -125 | -125 | -125 |
| Draw | +290 | +290 | +290 |
Both are said to have “muscle fatigue.” Now remember, this is also what kept them out of action against Atlanta the game before, a match Miami was outclassed 5-2. Messi also missed a game with Argentina against Bolivia so one gets the sense something is lingering. It’s something to monitor cause it’s no guarantee Messi will suit up for the US Open Cup Championship either.
Miami is currently in 13th place in the Eastern Conference — five points out of the coveted ninth spot that guarantees their playoff entrance. Speaking of which, Orlando City already booked its ticket to the postseason. They did so despite a recent 2-0 loss to New York City FC. But the strength of their season, a 14-8-7 mark and second in the conference, secured their postseason bid no matter what.
We’re not buying the narrative that Miami is cooked without the two former Barcelona stalwarts. They still have one Barca member in the lineup — Sergio Busquets. But more than that, the whole team has raised their level since Messi joined. Players like Benjamin Cremaschi, Facundo Farías, and Robert Taylor have become dependable pieces.
We’re going to bet on the draw outcome here. We sense Miami’s squad will play with a chip on their shoulder and prove it’s not just a one-man or three-man show like much the league thinks. Orlando, to their credit, are also no slouches. This game ends 1-1 or maybe even 2-2 in our book.
US Open Cup Championship: Inter Miami vs. Houston Dynamo
On Wednesday, these two similar teams will meet in the US Open Cup finale. Bookies seem to think Alba and Messi will be fit for it because Miami is commanding Open Cup favorites on the moneyline. Here’s how the odds are pegged:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | -155 | -155 | -155 |
| Houston | +310 | +310 | +310 |
| Draw | +320 | +320 | +320 |
By now, you’re likely aware of Miami’s miraculous turnaround. This team was arguably the worst in the league before luring Miami to MLS instead of Europe or Saudi Arabia. Miami splashed on more players and a brand-new coach, remaking their team on the fly. It’s been a quick ascent since then but that’s not too off of what Houston did.
You see, the Dynamo have been MLS bottom feeders for some time now. Its last playoff appearance dates back to 2017. Coach Ben Olsen was hired over the offseason. What followed was a total roster turnover with 17 new players, including big signing Hector Herrera of Mexican National Team fame. The Dynamo changes have paid dividends with this finals appearance and current fourth seed out West.
This game will take place at DRV PNK Stadium, the home of Miami. That should be a big benefit, especially when it comes to the status of Alba and Messi. Not having to travel makes it a tad less strenuous for them. But speaking of which, it might be a smart idea to wait before betting on this game. Messi and Alba are obviously two massive variables. Wouldn’t it be nice to know their actual playing status before paying money down? We sure think so, thus making sense to wait until closer to game day.
If we absolutely had to bet right now, we’d take the Miami moneyline. We’re quite confident Alba will be back, but less so on Messi cause, as we said, his ailment has been lingering for weeks now. Alba and Busquets — a duo that was tearing up La Liga with Barcelona a few months ago — can carry them to a win regardless. Wait and see, but Inter Miami is the early pick to make!
How To Bet On 2023 MLS Season?
The MLS season will be over sooner than you think. The playoffs are about a month away — and right now, Inter Miami is on the outside looking in. To bet on what’s left of the 2023 MLS season, we recommend one of the bookmakers below. The sites listed here are your “best bet” (pun intended). Our latest sportsbook reviews gave all five sites listed high marks.
Here’s the best part: your Inter Miami and MLS bets could be completely free. That is if you leverage a sign-up bonus offered at these sites. Bonuses can pay as much as $2500 in free play at some bookies — just imagine all the free betting you can do with that type of dough. Our favorite offers are listed below for your convenience.
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