Inter Miami at Red Bulls MLS preview: Lionel Messi odds, best bets, up to $2,850 in sportsbook promo codes

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It may feel like Lionel Messi has been dominating proceedings on North American soil for donkey’s years, but he is yet to make his MLS debut. He’ll grace MLS with his indomitable, perpetually effervescent presence on Saturday as Inter Miami faces New York at Red Bull Arena.

We’ve detailed a few of the best Messi bets for his MLS debut. Before locking in those wagers, take a look at the best soccer betting sites so you can make an informed decision about which one suits you best.

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Inter Miami has a gargantuan task if they are to qualify for the postseason. Fourteen points adrift of ninth place (the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot) with 12 matches remaining, Inter Miami must go on a near-flawless run to advance to the postseason.

Unless you’re living in a dank, desolate cave, you’ll be aware of Inter Miami’s X-Factor. It may sound like a broken record, but Messi hasn’t tasted defeat since making his debut for Inter Miami on Friday, July 21, a run of eight straight victories.

Sure, three of those victories came via penalties, but that’s of little consequence to Messi and Inter Miami.

Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami won one of its previous 10 matches. That lonely win came against Birmingham Legion FC in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal, a distinctly inferior opponent that competes in the USL Championship.

The Red Bulls are on a bit of a run of their own, winning four of their previous five. The Red Bulls sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, three points adrift of the final playoff spot. They are 11 points clear of Inter Miami entering Saturday’s proceedings.

The Red Bulls have conceded 13 goals in as many home contests, representing a middling rearguard. Contrastingly, Inter Miami has been scoring for fun since Messi joined the party. Messi’s Inter has outscored its opponents 25-11.

Inter Miami is the slight favorite across the board at all the most prominent online sportsbooks. Inter Miami’s winning streak must come to an end at some point. Just don’t expect that to occur on Saturday.

Messi’s seven-game goalscoring streak finally ended against Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. He notched two assists, though, including one in the 97th minute to send the match to extra time.

The Red Bulls have an average defensive unit. And average won’t cut it where defending Messi is concerned. Look for Messi to get back on the scoresheet at Red Bull Arena.

To get more bang for your buck, backing Messi to score first and Inter Miami offers a mouthwatering potential +400 return. Messi scored first in four of his eight appearances, including a run of three straight against Atlanta, Orlando, and Dallas, in which he bagged the opener in the 8th, 7th, and 6th minute, respectively.

Five of his 10 goals were scored by the 23rd minute. While a comparatively longer line, it has a pretty good chance of paying out.

It sounds peculiar, especially considering Messi has 10 goals and six assists in eight contests, but the diminutive maestro is due for a multi-goal game.

He scored two goals in three straight contests against Atlanta, Orlando, and Dallas but hasn’t bagged a brace since. That’s four matches without scoring a pair. Look for Messi to rectify that and bag a brace against an average rearguard in his MLS debut.

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