Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will hit the road on Saturday and visit the nation’s capital as they lock horns with DC United. The kick-off is scheduled for 2 PM ET at Audi Field. Miami just lost their first game of the campaign last weekend to CF Montreal, but Messi wasn’t playing due to a shin injury. However, it was precautionary and he’s expected to play their mid-week CCL game and this match, too. As for DC, they settled for a lone point in a scoreless stalemate last time out against FC Cincinnati. Continue reading for the DC United vs Inter Miami picks.
Before we get into the odds, match preview, and picks, check out our MLS betting page if you plan to put money down on this game.
There’s really no clear favorite for this match. DC sits at +160 odds, while Miami comes back at +163. A draw is priced at +270. In two meetings last term, DC won once and the other resulted in a draw. This will be an interesting one to watch.
Although the season just begun, DC isn’t exactly thriving thus far. They’ve drawn twice and won just once, putting them in sixth place in the Eastern Conference for the time being. Troy Lesesne’s side started the year with a 3-1 win over the New England Revolution before a hard-fought 2-2 result against the Portland Timbers. The game with Cincinnati ended scoreless. 2023 was very disappointing for DC United, finishing in 12th place and missing the playoffs by a mile. They will be looking to do much better.
In the earlier days of the MLS, this was a very good club. But, in past years, they’ve struggled to compete in the East. Last year, former Crystal Palace man Christian Benteke was their leading scorer, netting 14 of the team’s 45 goals. Taxiarchis Fountas also had six goals, but he’s since left for the Turkish top flight. In this campaign, Benteke is already firing on all cylinders, bagging a hat trick in the first game. He hasn’t played since but will be available on Saturday. The Belgian was once a proven finisher in the Premier League and will play an integral part in the success of DC United in 24′.
The last time they faced Inter Miami, it ended 2-2 at Audi Field back in July. That was also before Messi’s debut for the Herons, so this will be DC’s first time actually trying to contain the Argentine, who is a handful every single time he steps on the pitch. That will undoubtedly be a key to victory for the hosts.
Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer last year was monumental and his impact was immediately felt, leading the club to the Leagues Cup title, scoring 10 goals in the competition. Although Inter Miami did miss out on the postseason, it’s pretty clear they have a very bright future. Not only is Messi doing his thing weekly, but he also lured in former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez to join forces and the Uruguayan is already doing his part, scoring twice and providing three assists. Miami owns a 2-1-1 record and sits first in the East.
But, it was clear that Messi is a game-changer because Montreal came out on top against Miami last weekend, 3-2. Four goals were scored in the final 20 minutes, with the visitors taking a 3-1 lead by the 78′. Jordi Alba got one back with a beautiful finish, but it was too little too late for the Herons. Even though the hosts controlled 61% of the ball, they missed the creativity in the final third of their talisman.
Messi isn’t dealing with any serious injury however and will be playing on Saturday. He’s already hit the back of the net three times this season in as many appearances. He and Suarez and the most reliable finishers thus far, along with Robert Taylor. The sky is the limit for Miami in 24′ with so much talent in their squad. An MLS Cup is the goal and nothing less.
I have no doubts Messi and Inter Miami will produce the goods and grab the full points on Saturday. Frankly, it’s surprising they’re not more of a favorite. With such favorable odds, the pick is a no-brainer.
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