Lionel Who? Keep Inter Miami in Soccer Betting Picks!
- Lionel Messi hasn’t played since the Grand Finale of the Copa America.
- Inter Miami remain the favorites to win the Leagues Cup at +550.
- Check the latest soccer news and odds to make better picks!
Lionel Messi is progressing from an ankle injury he suffered during the final of the Copa America 2024. However, the superstar hasn’t been able to return to the field and is only training in the gym.
The good news, at least if you are an Inter Miami fan or a soccer betting enthusiast who likes to bet on the Herons, is that they have won eight of their last 10 games without the Argentinian. Let’s check some numbers and what’s next, including when Messi is expected to return.
Messi Getting Better Every Day
According to Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino, Messi is getting better every day. In other words, he’s meeting the deadline. The problem is that the deadline is uncertain.
“Leo is getting better every day. He’s still training in the gym [not the field] but he’s better every time and doing well in the timeframe we had considered,” said Martino during a press conference.
Basically, Messi’s return will depend on how far Inter Miami goes in the Leagues Cup. Most recently, the Herons fulfilled their role as betting online favorites against Toronto FC with a 4-3 victory in the Round of 32.
It was a huge victory because they lost Hector Martinez due to a red card in the 27th minute. Plus, keep in mind that two of Toronto’s goals were from the penalty spot and the last one was an own goal.
On the other hand, Miami’s goals were something else, especially one scored by Matias Rojas.
QUE GOLAZO HICISTE MATÍAS 😮💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/6m58XRFt4R
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 9, 2024
Before beating Toronto, Inter Miami defeated Puebla 2-0 and lost 2-1 to Tigres. Tigres is one of the best teams in Liga MX but ended up winning thanks to a goal in the 84th minute. Summing up, the Herons are doing just fine without Messi but, of course, the expectation is that when he comes back, they’ll be unstoppable.
Tigres and Inter Miami could meet again in the quarterfinals, but now, the Herons are waiting for the winner between Sporting Kansas City and Columbus Crew.
Inter Miami’s Last 10 Games without Messi
- Philadelphia Union 1 – Inter Miami 2
- Inter Miami 2 – Columbus Crew 1
- Nashville SC 1 – Inter Miami 2
- Charlotte FC 1 – Inter Miami 2
- FC Cincinnati 6 – Inter Miami 1
- Inter Miami 3 – Toronto FC 1
- Inter Miami 2 – Chicago Fire 1
- Puebla 0 – Inter Miami 2
- Tigres UANL 2 – Inter Miami 1
- Inter Miami 4 – Toronto FC 3
Luis Suarez, Other Players Back
Yes, Messi is out, but three other key players returned. First, Luis Suarez, who has been dealing with a minor knee injury. In fact, he scored one of the four goals against Toronto. So far, the Uruguayan has scored 16 goals in all competitions.
Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gomez returned from international duty and will be available for the Round of 16. Both played in the Paris Olympics, helping Team USA and Paraguay to reach the quarterfinals.
“They are in good condition, they arrived in different ways because Benja had little activity and Diego played all the games, but both are fit to be used and will be in the squad,” explained Martino.
In the end, Inter Miami has talent to spare. That’s why with or without Messi, you should always consider including the Herons in your BetUS soccer picks.
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Leagues Cup Betting Panorama
First things first. We can’t forget that Inter Miami is the Leagues Cup defending champion. Yes, Messi was crucial for them to reach the promised land, but now we’re talking about a team with a strong winning mentality, no matter what.
That’s reflected in the odds to win the Leagues Cup title because Inter Miami is atop the board at +550. The Herons are followed by Club America, the Liga MX champs, at +800, and Los Angeles FC at +900.
Regarding reaching the final, Inter Miami is +275 while the other contenders are +400 and +450. Regarding the Herons, both are great deals. Take one of the two before Messi comes back because that will change the odds considerably.
If Club America and LAFC keep winning, they will meet in the semifinals. On the other hand, Inter Miami’s biggest threats are Tigres, Cruz Azul and FC Cincinnati.
Bet on the CONCACAF Leagues Cup 2024 Winner
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Question of the Day
Who’s the 2024 Leagues Cup’s Top Scorer?
Cristian Olivera from Los Angeles FC with three goals.
