Leagues Cup Final Odds: Lionel Messi & Inter Miami vs. Nashville

Forbes

18 August 2023

Leagues Cup Final Odds: Lionel Messi & Inter Miami vs. Nashville

Who: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC (Leagues Cup Final)
When: August 19, 2023
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Geodis Park (Nashville, TN)

Betting Odds

Match Result Regular Time: Inter Miami -110, Tie +260, Nashville SC +230
Both Teams to Score: Yes -210, No +140
Total: Over/Under 3.5 Goals in Regular Time (+125/-185)

Goalscorer Props

Lionel Messi: -150
Josef Martinez: +160
Hany Mukhtar: +160
Leonardo Campana: +230
Sam Surridge: +260

Odds from BetMGM are subject to change and can vary based on jurisdiction.

Leagues Cup Final is Here

Following a whirlwind month filled with headlines, relentless soccer action and breathtaking moments, the stage is set for the Leagues Cup Final.

At Geodis Park in Nashville, this marks the first major final appearance for Inter Miami and Nashville SC.

Throughout the League Cup tournament, Inter Miami has outscored Nashville SC by a margin of six goals. Miami has recorded 21 goals compared to Nashville’s 15.

The outcome of the Leagues Cup Final hinges on which soccer superstars can rise to the occasion and propel their team to the coveted championship trophy.

A New Star in Town

Messi has become the premier MLS player over the past month. As a World Cup Winner, he now faces another significant career challenge: dethroning the reigning MLS most valuable player.

Hany Mukhtar is one assist away from matching the assist leader of the Leagues Cup, Reynoso of Minnesota United, who accumulated six.

However, Messi holds the top spot for most Leagues Cup goals, boasting a tally of nine.

The final winner should take the trophy for the tournament’s best player (Mukhtar or Messi).

Leagues Cup Final Prediction

In the game against the Philadelphia Union, Inter Miami resembled the team that everyone was worried about. Inter Miami scored in the third minute of the match and didn’t look back.

Compared to Inter Miami’s other Leagues Cup games, the match took on an unconventional nature. Inter Miami observed that the Union were closely marking Sergio Busquets, and so Miami quickly adjusted.

Miami changed the game plan to shift the passing routes from the defensive back line, bypassing the midfield and directing the ball directly to the offensive players. This is how the team from South Beach scored all three goals, against the best defensive team in MLS, during the first half.

Nashville’s journey to the final has been anything but simple, as it had to overcome three Leagues Cup favorites on the path to the final: Monterrey, Club America and FC Cincinnati.

Nashville boasts a remarkably skilled lineup, and in preparation for the Leagues Cup, it sought to enhance its offensive prowess. The efforts paid off, as it acquired former English Premier League striker Sam Surridge, who has proven to be an impactful addition.

Surridge has netted three goals in 117 minutes, consistently making an impact as a substitute.

Anticipate Inter Miami having most of the ball possession, as Nashville will be timid at the start, just like Philadelphia. Nashville will have the crowd, but facing Messi in a final will have the nerves flowing.

Should Inter Miami emerge victorious against Nashville SC, it will also qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16.

Best Bets: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC

Match Result: Inter Miami -110, Tie +260, Nashville SC +230

The best bet is the Inter Miami moneyline (-110). The team has looked like the favorites to win Leagues Cup. Messi will have another chance to play in a final after 41 of them in his career. Don’t bet against Messi in a final, as he always finds a way to show why he’s the greatest soccer player in the world.

Both Teams to Score: Yes -210, No +140

Both teams are aware that lifting the Leagues Cup trophy requires scoring goals.

Anticipate goals from both teams in this contest, as they have extremely talented star players—Mukhtar and Messi. The more playable of the two bets is the “Yes” option at -210.

Josef Martinez +160 Anytime Goalscorer

Martinez has assumed the responsibility of taking penalties and is the starting striker for Inter Miami. He will get many opportunities, as the defenses he will face will prioritize guarding Messi. With the sheer amount of chances for the Venezuelan International, betting on Martinez to find the back of the net (+160) is a viable option.

Lionel Messi -150 Anytime Goalscorer

For Inter Miami to lift the trophy, it appears crucial that Messi contributes to the scoresheet. A special moment from Messi is required to silence the rowdy Nashville crowd that has been chanting “We Want Messi!” since the quarterfinals.

Betting on Messi (-150) to score in this match is a viable option.

Hany Mukhtar +160 Anytime Goalscorer

In the previous match against Monterrey, Mukhtar fell victim to a controversial decision as his exquisite curled shot was denied following a VAR review.

This disappointment has fueled Mukhtar’s determination for redemption, and he’s poised to channel that energy into the upcoming match. Betting on Mukhtar (+160) is also playable, considering Nashville recognizes the necessity for goals to overcome a stacked Inter Miami.

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images