MLS Betting: Can Inter Miami Stay on Top Without Lionel Messi?

The good news is that the Herons remain the online betting favorites to win the MLS Cup at +175. The bad news is that Lionel Messi isn’t expected to return until mid-September. Can Inter Miami stay atop the standings and win the Eastern Conference? Let’s check what lies ahead for them!

How Does The Rest of the Season Look Like for Inter Miami?

Comfortable Advantage

Inter Miami is atop the MLS Eastern Conference with 53 points, five more than FC Cincinnati. The Columbus Crew, a team that has played two games less, is third with 43. Even winning both pending matches, the Crew would be four points behind.

As if that weren’t enough, the Herons will play host to Cincinnati on August 24 and visit the Crew on October 2, which means the gap could increase. In other words, the fate of the conference is in their hands.

Nine matches are left, and the Herons will face a top-five team in only three of them. There’s also the fact that they already proved they can win without Messi. During the Copa America and afterward, they managed to win six of seven matches without the Argentinian. Yes, they were crushed by Cincinnati, but besides Messi, they played that match without Luis Suarez, Federico Redondo, Benjamin Cremaschi, Matias Rojas, and Jordi Alba. Plus, Sergio Busquets was sent off.

Finally, keep in mind that none of the league’s top eight scorers play for Inter Miami. Even so, no other team has scored more goals than Inter Miami with 56, including the Western Conference.

Yes, Messi is something else, but in the end, we’re talking about a well-balanced squad that deserves a spot in your MLS picks. In fact, if you’re planning on betting on the Herons, do it now, because once Messi is back the +175 price will increase considerably!

Bet on Inter Miami to Win the MLS Title (+175)

Betting Favorites to Win the 2024 MLS Cup

• Inter Miami +175
• Los Angeles FC +600
• Los Angeles Galaxy +800
• FC Cincinnati +1000
• Columbus Crew +1600

When Is Messi Expected to Return?

The MLS regular season is scheduled to finish on October 19. According to some reports, Messi is expected to return on September 14 when the Philadelphia Union visits Inter Miami. That would give the Argentinian six games to return to his best form before the playoffs. Head coach Gerardo Martino is a bit more restrained.

“Leo is progressing as expected, but there’s still no precise date on when he might rejoin the group. He continues to work separately. Leo’s absence affects us in different ways. His absence is also compounded by the absence of other key players. But even when it’s just him missing, it’s a significant factor,” said Martino during a press conference with various MLS news outlets.

Again, Inter Miami won six of its last seven games without Messi, but there’s no doubt that the Argentinian provides a different level of confidence.

“I wish we could’ve had him with us but football brings injuries and setbacks. Leo makes the difference, we know that,” Busquets added.

The good news is that besides Messi, the Herons’ injury report doesn’t include any other key player. Alba, Busquets, Suarez, and Rojas, who have had a great season, are ready to lead the team during the final stretch of the season. Right now, the Herons are -500 at BetUS sportsbook to win the Eastern Conference. The four of them have a lot to do with that!

Individually, Messi offers a +700 price to win the Golden Boot. Only three other players are ahead of him over the odds board. Can you believe it? He’s expected to miss at least two more matches and still is in the race. That’s how good he is.

Bet on Messi to Win the MLS Golden Boot (+700)

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets

Questions Of The Day