Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC Picks and Predictions: Messi Mania Continues to Run Wild

Lionel Messi and his friends will be at it once again on Friday night, when Inter Miami returns home to face Charlotte FC in the quarter-finals of the first ever Leagues Cup.

Messi once again was the hero in their last outing, rallying them from a 4-2 deficit against FC Dallas with a stunning free kick to force penalties in a 4-4 shootout. He’s now scored seven goals in four matches for Miami, and has the league in a frenzy with his play.

Their opponents were gifted a spot in the final, as Charlotte scored a late Route-1 goal to level things with Houston before a horrific own goal from their opponents saw Charlotte go through with a 2-1 victory. Now their porous defense must find a way to slow down Inter Miami’s lethal attack.

How does Messi’s stellar play impact our best bet for the match? Find out in our Inter Miami vs Charlotte picks and predictions for Friday, August 11.  

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC best odds

Inter Miami		Charlotte FC
-200	Moneyline	+500
+375	Draw	+375
Over 2.5 (-200)	Total	Under 2.5 (+150)

Odds courtesy of bet365 on August 11, 2023.

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC picks and predictions

The Messi era at Inter Miami has had some storybook moments already. You can start with the winning goal to end his debut match against Cruz Azul or his game-tying free kick in their last match against FC Dallas and all the spectacular goals in-between. 

But maybe the least surprising part of his run so far is that he’s helped Miami get off to flying starts. In each of the three matches in which he has been in the starting 11, Messi has opened the scoring and put Inter Miami ahead within the opening 10 minutes. 

And for those who have bet him to be the first goalscorer, the payouts have been quite kind. But the markets have started to catch up and adjust, as they often do. His price of +210 to open the scoring at bet365 is the best I’ve seen yet — and I was tempted to make it our best bet.

But then I decided to get a bit creative. Not only has Messi put his side in front within the opening 10 minutes, but they’ve not yet conceded in that time. Orlando did level after 17 minutes in Miami’s 3-1 win, but that’s the earliest they’ve conceded. 

So instead of taking Messi to open the scoring, I’m going to take a bit of a risk — but at +400, it’s a calculated risk worth taking. Our best bet is for Inter Miami to be winning after 10 minutes, which you can play at bet365. 

Charlotte’s defense has been the worst in the league, conceding 40 goals this season. Away from home, they’ve allowed 23 in 12 matches. And so far in Leagues Cup, they’ve been better but they haven’t been good. They’ve conceded in three of four matches, and if not for Houston gifting them two late goals, they’d be home watching Messi instead of trying to find a way to stop him.

But Houston’s goal came in — you guessed it — the 10th minute of play, marking the second time in their last three matches they’ve conceded inside of 10 minutes. And that was at home. In front of the raucous Inter Miami crowd, I anticipate Messi once again leading his side charging out of the gate and putting his side ahead early. 

My best bet: Inter Miami 10-minute moneyline (+400 at bet365)

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC same-game parlay

Inter Miami 10-minute moneyline (+400)

Both teams to score Yes (-138)

Messi anytime goal (-225)

Over 2 goals (-188)

+900 at bet365

Our same-game parlay at bet365 builds off a very nice +400 best bet base and incorporates three other plays that are very likely to come through. While Charlotte’s defense is poor, Miami’s isn’t much better. They’ve allowed nine big chances through their first four matches, and have frequently been caught out of position. 

With Jordi Alba and Deandre Yedlen bombing forward from their fullback positions, that will likely continue to happen and will lead to both teams finding the back of the net. That plays into our Over 2 goals play as well, as it’s very difficult to see one of these sides not scoring multiple goals.

And all of this brings us back to the GOAT. Messi’s yet to be held off the scoresheet, and Charlotte’s not the team to do it. His inevitable goal will cap off a strong SGP and pay out nine times your wager. 

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC side analysis

To say Inter Miami are favored is an understatement. The 3-way line has them at -200 or higher, and a bet for them to advance is around -450 in most places. The draw pays out as high as +400, with a Charlotte upset netting you a return of up to five times your wager.

There’s a reason for that. Charlotte’s away record in MLS this season is 3-3-7, and many of those seven defeats have been of the multi-goal variety. Their only away match in the Leagues Cup was a 2-2 draw at Dallas that saw them level in the 97th minute before winning on penalties. Last week, Houston literally handed them a win in the final minutes. Miami won’t do that here.

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC Over/Under analysis

As for the total, you’re likely going to have to play the 3.5 goal line unless you believe two or fewer goals will be scored. The standard 2.5 line is juiced heavily for the Over, as you’ll need to lay -200 or higher odds. The 3.5 goal line is heavily shaded towards the Under though, as well. 

I’ll be staying away from the total in this, but those wishing to play the Over 2.5 can parlay it with both teams to score to bring the price down to -110. 

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC game info

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC key injuries

Inter Miami: Corentin Jean F (Out), Franco Negri D (Out), Jean Mota M (Out).
Charlotte FC: Adilson Malanda D (Out), Enzo Copetti F (Out), Pablo Sisniega GK (Out).

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC weather

The temperature at kickoff will be in the mid-90s and things won’t cool down much during play. There is little chance of rain, and winds will be light with gusts up to 12 mph. 

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