The Herons just can’t do without Lionel Messi. They’re 8-4-2 in the 2024 MLS, but without Messi as a starter, their record is 1-3-2 in the top tier of the US soccer league system. The bad news is that it’s unclear whether he will recover from a knee injury until the Inter Miami vs. DC United game on Saturday, May 18.
Judging by the betting odds, he is likely to return – his team is seen as a huge favorite to beat the boys from the capital.
Inter Miami vs. DC United Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | -165 |
| Draw | +350 |
| DC United | +360 |
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- How to Watch: Apple TV
Inter Miami to Collect as Many Points as Possible While Lionel Messi’s Around
It’s very likely that coach Gerardo Martino wants his boys to collect as many points as possible before the 2024 MLS goes on the Copa America break in June. It’s because Lionel Messi is expected to play for Argentina and this team plans to go all the way to the final.
If La Albiceleste win a medal this summer, Messi might go on a vacation (as he did when they won the World Cup), leaving Inter Miami to their own devices.
This is why it’s imperative for Inter Miami to win as many points as possible while Messi is around. But will he be there for the Herons in Saturday’s game with DC United? He missed the Florida Derby with Orlando City, which his team drew 0-0.
Apparently, the reason was a knee problem, which wasn’t too serious, but coach Martino still decided not to risk anything.
Can DC United Upset the MLS Odds on Saturday, May 18?
DC United is sitting in the No. 8 place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a 4-5-4 record. Not too bad, you may think, but this team just tends to do badly against MLS heavyweights. So far in the 2024 MLS season, the boys from the US capital lost to the New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, Orlando City, and even Inter Miami.
The loss to the Herons happened on their turf. It was 3-1 for the visitors, but the real reason why this game is interesting is that it remains the only instance in the 2024 MLS that Inter Miami beat someone without Messi being around. Can the Herons do it again, this time with Messi (probably) on the field?
Inter Miami vs. DC United Prediction
Lionel Messi was given a day off on Wednesday and his absence had a bad impact on Inter Miami. He’s expected to make a comeback on May 18 and his return should have a fantastic influence on the Herons. They’re going to get back on the winning track, probably blowing out DC United along the way.