Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will take on Sam Surridge and Nashville SC this Saturday, setting the stage for an exciting MLS showdown. Nashville currently holds the second spot in the MLS Eastern Conference and is on an impressive unbeaten streak of 14 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Miami, sitting in fifth place, boasts an impressive total of 42 goals scored. Nashville is coming off a strong 5-2 win against DC United in the US Open Cup quarterfinals, while Miami recently secured a 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution in league play.
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM EST at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Inter Miami enters as slight favorites with odds of -115 (returning $100 for a $115 risk), while Nashville is the underdog at +250. A draw is priced at +300, with an over/under of 3.5 total goals for the match. Messi has odds of -140 to score at any point during the game. Before placing any bets on this matchup, fans should consider insights from seasoned analysts.
John Eimer has established himself as Sportsline’s top soccer expert in 2023, boasting a record of 248-234-12 (+25.93 units) in his predictions. He has seen success across various leagues, including the Premier League, Champions League, and La Liga. Betting enthusiasts following his picks have likely enjoyed significant returns.
Eimer’s top recommendations for Saturday’s match include:
- Sam Surridge to score at +130
- Both teams to score in the first half at +225
Sam Surridge to score (+130): The British forward leads the MLS with 16 goals in 21 games, accounting for nearly half of Nashville’s overall goals this season. He recently netted two in the match against DC United, showing no signs of faltering, as noted by Eimer.
Both teams to score in the first half (+225): Nashville has been prolific, finding the back of the net 42 times in just 18 games this season. With Miami’s busy schedule, fatigue might create scoring opportunities for Nashville, according to Eimer.
Fan Take: This match not only showcases some of the league’s top talent but could also be pivotal in shaping playoff rankings. The performances of these teams may reverberate throughout the MLS, as fans eagerly anticipate how Messi and Surridge will influence the game’s outcome.