Lionel Messi returns to the field nearly two and a half weeks after a heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final to Spain.
This time around, he’ll be suiting up for Inter Miami as they open Leagues Cup play against Atlético de San Luis, a Mexican professional football club that competes in Liga MX.
Sure, it isn’t the World Cup, but this annual tournament features some of the top soccer teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The opening phase of Leagues Cup play ensures matches between MLS and Liga MX teams during the group stage, with the top four clubs from each region advancing to the quarterfinals, culminating with the final on Sept. 6.
Messi and Inter Miami are overwhelming -300 moneyline favorites in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.
Inter Miami vs. Atlético de San Luis prediction, best bets
The influx of talent on Inter Miami’s roster aside from Messi includes Luis Suarez, Casemiro, and Messi’s Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
Suarez will not be suiting up for the Herons after receiving a six-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct in last season’s Cup finale loss.
Messi and Inter Miami enter with a 14-3 all-time record in Leagues Cup contests, including winning the tournament in 2023.
San Luis is paced by João Pedro, who enters as the two-time goal-scoring leader in Liga MX.
In nine Leagues Cup appearances, Atlético de San Luis has failed to advance beyond the first round and holds a 3-6 record all-time.
This match will come down to how well San Luis can halt the aggressive Inter Miami attack, filled with veterans with ample international soccer experience.
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Despite mainstay striker Germán Berterame missing this game, along with Suarez, I expect Messi and De Paul to pick up the slack, with Casemiro providing defensive support to neutralize Inter Miami’s backline against any counterattacks San Luis may present.
Messi has scored twelve times and dished out three assists in ten career Leagues Cup matches, capturing Leagues Cup Best Player honors three seasons ago.
I’m confident in that trend continuing.
The Play: Messi to score and Inter Miami to win (-185, BetMGM) | Messi to score two or more goals (+185, DraftKings)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
