The Lionel Messi era in MLS begins when Inter Miami CF plays Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup game on Friday at 8 pm ET in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. And punters are going crazy over the superstar’s debut.
According to BetMGM, 99% of bets are for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to score a goal at any time (+115).
Messi shocked the soccer world by leaving Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain to sign with Inter Miami CF, who joined MLS for the 2020 season in early June. Inter Miami also acquired Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba.
The 29 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX squads will participate in the Leagues Cup, with the championship match set for August 19. But for now, let’s look at the match odds, as well as other bets for Messi’s Miami debut.
Blue Cross vs. Inter Miami CF, Friday at 8 pm ET, Apple TV/Univision
money line: Inter Miami CF +115 favorites to win (bet $10 to win a total of $21.50); Cruz Azul +200 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $30 total)
Draw: +240 (bet $10 to win $34 total)
Over/Under 3.5 goals: Over +205 (bet $10 to win $30.50 total), Under -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total)
RELATED: FC Barcelona meeting in Miami
OTHER BETS OF LIONEL MESSI
Messi to score a goal at any time: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Messi scores the first goal: +290 (bet $10 to win $39 total)
Messi to score two or more goals: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Messi to score a hat-trick: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total)
Before betting on the legend, punters might want to consider how much action Messi will see on Friday, as he is not expected to start.
Information from FOX Sports Insider Martin Rogers:
“It seems likely that Messi will be restricted to a cameo from the bench, given that he has had limited training and competition of late. What can be guaranteed is a sellout crowd, plenty of cameras, global interest and a special night in MLS history. Beckham was quoted in the Argentine media as saying Messi might not play, although a much more positive tone has been expressed in other media appearances.”
So are you throwing your money at Messi tonight? Follow FOX Sports to read about his MLS season and stay up to date on the latest soccer news.
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– Daily News Post