Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Predictions & Messi Picks: Argentinian Icon Leads Unbeaten Start

Expect a low-scoring affair when Inter Miami takes on Orlando City, and we detail why in our predictions and Lionel Messi picks.

Anthony Wootton

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 1:15 PM EST • 5 minute read

Lionel Messi’s stoppage-time equalizer on Sunday saved his side from dropping all three points in only its second match of the season, and we make our Inter Miami vs. Orlando City predictions and Messi picks based on the odds from our best sports betting sites.

Lionel Messi thus far paces MLS in shots on target. After two matches, which have resulted in four points for Inter Miami, he has six efforts on goal.

Meanwhile, Orlando City managed 15 shots at home against Montreal in their season opener, but they failed to put one past Impact goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois.

Now, Orlando City travel to South Florida to take on an Inter Miami team that's scored in each of its two games. Messi and Luis Suarez have tallied three goals between them this campaign. Will they keep up their strong form 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) ⭐⭐⭐

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.

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Inter Miami vs. Orlando City best odds

DraftKings (+120)

DraftKings	FanDuel	BetMGM	Caesars	bet365
Under 2.5 goals	Under 2.5 goals	Under 2.5 goals	Under 2.5 goals	Under 2.5 goals
+120	+118	+110	+120	+115

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.

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Lionel Messi odds

Messi anytime scorer (FanDuel -105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

DraftKings	FanDuel	BetMGM	Caesars	bet365
Messi anytime scorer	Messi anytime scorer	Messi anytime scorer	Messi anytime scorer	Messi anytime scorer
-120	-105	-120	-120	-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: Saturday, March 2 at 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 Friday at 9 a.m. ET.

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Written by:
Anthony Wootton

Anthony Wootton has worked in the sports industry for more than 20 years. He’s reported on Premier League games for BBC radio and continues to cover the league, as well as other high-profile soccer competitions such as the UEFA Champions League. He is a founding member of the NFL Writers Network with NFL Europe, having covered every NFL London game since 2014 and multiple Super Bowls. Anthony has also reported on the Germany games in Munich and Frankfurt. His book, "The Greatest American Football Story That Has Never Been Told", has been an Amazon bestseller for American Football and Sports History publications. He is a member of the Professional Football Researchers Association. Anthony started writing for betting companies in 2018, working with some of the world’s largest gambling sites. He is an avid bettor on soccer and football, using multiple apps as he targets the best value on props and plays. Anthony is the host of the "TransAtlantic Sports Show" podcast and runs a weekly parlay feature on his YouTube channel throughout the NFL season. He has appeared on leading international podcasts such as the BBC World Service’s Sportshour, the Nat Coombs Show, and the Irish NFL Show. Anthony holds a bachelor’s degree in media from Sheffield Hallam University.