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Betting on the MLS? Lionel Messi Expected Back in August!
- An ankle sprain took him out of the Copa America final.
- Inter Miami remains atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
- The Leagues Cup is around the corner! Check the latest MLS news and find out if Inter Miami is a good bet.
Despite not having an outstanding performance, Lionel Messi helped Argentina conquer its second Copa America title in a row. The bad news is that the superstar suffered an injury during the Grand Finale against Colombia and hasn’t been able to train since. Let’s check how his absence will affect the MLS Cup betting favorites Inter Miami as they get ready to defend their Leagues Cup title.
How Will Messi’s Injury Affect MLS Odds?
Which Games Will Messi Miss?
Yes, Messi missed several MLS matches due to the Copa America, but Inter Miami wasn’t the only team that had to play without several players during that period. Now, Messi’s absence can be seen as a real disadvantage.
The Argentine already missed the match against Toronto FC, which the Herons ended up winning 3-1 with Federico Redondo as Player of the Match after scoring a brace. Keep in mind that there’s a 23-point gap between the two teams.
REDONDO MARCA EL TERCERO DE LA NOCHE 💥💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/vfcgZLTPu9
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 18, 2024
Now, Messi will miss the match against the Chicago Fire, which is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Even with Messi out, the Herons are heavily favored in our soccer odds at -155. Playing at home and the fact that the Fire is thirteenth have a lot to do with that.
Messi is also expected to miss the first match of the Leagues Cup against Puebla, scheduled for July 27. And of course, he won’t take part in the MLS All-Star Game (July 24), which is a very low blow for everyone involved.
Summing up, head coach Gerardo Martino expects to have Messi back to face Tigres, one of the best teams in Liga MX, on August 3. The worst-case scenario is Messi returns until August 24, when the MLS is reactivated.
Messi’s Impact in One Year With Inter Miami
- The club’s worth went from $600 million to $1.03 billion.
- Annual income increased from $60 million to $200 million.
- Instagram followers increased from 1 million to 17 million.
- The team won its first official trophy: the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Betting on Inter Miami? Here Are Some Good News
Yes, Messi is out, but Inter Miami is glad to have Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas back. The two also played in the Copa America. Suarez was crucial for Uruguay to finish third, while Rojas couldn’t help Paraguay to advance to the quarterfinals.
Suarez has been huge for the Herons. So far, he has scored 12 goals, the same number as Messi, and we all know he’s a natural leader. In other words, Inter Miami is getting back a certified scorer who’s also a motivator, on and off the field.
As for Rojas, he joined the party a little bit later, but he’s doing a great job adapting. He already scored three goals and during Messi’s absence, he’s expected to be in charge of taking free kicks.
MLS Cup Betting Panorama
Inter Miami remains the favorite to win the 2024 Cup at +175 at BetUS Sportsbook . If you want to bet on Messi and company, do it ASAP because that number won’t be available for long. Yes, because of an injury, but in the end, Messi is getting some rest and will be at full speed for the end of the season.
The Herons are followed by Los Angeles FC at +700 and FC Cincinnati at +750. LAFC is expected to win the Western Conference, while Cincinnati remains Miami’s biggest threat when it comes to winning the East.
However, if you were looking for an underdog to include in your MLS picks, I like Real Salt Lake at +1400. The Claret and Cobalt can still win the Western Conference and they’re led by the league’s top scorer, Cristian Arango.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
