Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Predictions & Messi Picks: Leo is Leading Unbeaten Start
Lionel Messi’s stoppage-time equalizer on Sunday ensured Inter Miami’s unbeaten start to the MLS season kept going, as we make our Inter Miami vs. Orlando City predictions and Lionel Messi picks for Saturday's MLS matchup based on the odds from our best sports betting sites.
No player has been producing more shots on target in MLS this season than Lionel Messi, who already has six such shots amid Inter Miami's undefeated start to the season. Meanwhile, Orlando City notched 15 shots at home against the Montreal Impact in its season opener, but the team failed to find the net.
Now the Lions travel to South Florida to take on an Inter Miami team that's scored in both of its two games. Messi and Luis Suarez have tallied three goals between them this campaign. Will that form continue on Saturday?
Here are our best Inter Miami vs. Orlando City predictions for Saturday's matchup, along with our top Lionel Messi pick (odds via our best soccer betting sites; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City prediction: Saturday
Under 2.5 goals (+120 via DraftKings, Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐
You may be questioning this play with so much firepower at Miami's disposal, but the team is still gelling and dealing with injuries. Messi and Suarez have built a phenomenal history together, but they hadn’t played with one another for nearly four years before reuniting in Miami.
Orlando City have kept clean sheets in four straight away matches during all competitions for the first time in club history, and both teams like to keep possession. Orlando registered 60% of possession in its opener with Montreal.
Meanwhile, Inter has kept the ball for an average of 59% of play across their last two games. If one team takes the lead, that side will make it tough for the other to develop any form of attack. Orlando has posted an xG of 0.19, while Miami’s is 1.69.
DraftKings promo
Place a three-plus leg SGP through DraftKings, and get a bonus bet back if one leg loses. Don't forget to use our DraftKings promo code!
Not intended for use in MA
Affiliate Disclosure: Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City best odds
DraftKings and Caesars (+120)
Our best sportsbooks clearly believe there will be goals in this game. We can work that to our advantage and take the higher odds.
This match could be tough viewing at times, with each team passing the ball around to maintain possession, and not much happening in attack. Goals could be sparse, which is what we want. Each side’s willingness to keep the ball is why we’re leaning hard toward a low-scoring affair. The odds have been staying the same throughout the week. This is great value.
See all of our MLS odds.
North Carolina sports betting pre-launch offers
North Carolina sports bettingNorth Carolina sports betting apps and the best North Carolina sportsbook promos! 21+ and present in NC. Take advantage of these pre-launch offers!
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Lionel Messi odds
Messi anytime scorer (FanDuel -105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lionel Messi prediction
Messi has recorded a goal contribution in each of his two outings for Miami this season. He's logged 12 goals and six assists across 16 appearances in all competitions since joining the club last summer. He leads the league this season in shots (13) and shots on target (six).
Messi’s equalizing goal at 90’+2 against the LA Galaxy last Sunday was the 14th time he’s scored a result-changing goal in second-half stoppage time during his career for club and country.
He’s a threat when simply on the field, and that's why Messi is a play for us in this match.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City game info
- Date: March 2, 2024, 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV: Apple TV
- Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Weather: 79 degrees, 13% chance of precipitation, 9-mph winds
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City prediction made 3/1/24 at 9 a.m. ET.
(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.
