Inter Miami vs. Orlando City 2024 MLS Odds, Time, and Prediction

Lionel Messi and the Herons continue their 2024 MLS odyssey with a home game against their state rival, Orlando City. The last time these two met, the final score was 1-1. However, Messi did not take part in that game. The last time he played for Inter Miami in the Florida Derby, he scored two goals, helping his team beat Orlando 3-1.

Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Odds

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
• Time: 4:30 PM ET
• How to Watch: FOX

Inter Miami Going for Another Home Win

Formerly known as DRV PNK Stadium, Chase Stadium is always sold out when Lionel Messi is playing. With home support at the maximum, the soccer GOAT always tends to go all-in.

That was the case throughout the last season, and we saw him put on a good show in Inter Miami’s first home game of the 2024 season as well. He didn’t score in the 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake, but he was the one in control of the game.

He’s expected to do very well this coming Saturday as well, especially because he seems to like playing against Orlando City. The first and only time he played against this team, he scored two goals. It happened in last year’s Leagues Cup, which Messi and the Herons went on to win.

Can Orlando City Stage an Upset?

The short answer is no. Orlando City isn’t a bad team, but these guys just aren’t even close to Inter Miami. They did play 1-1 with the Herons the last time they met in the MLS, but there’s a caveat. First of all, the game in question was played in Orlando. The one on Saturday is not.

Secondly, Inter Miami was without Lionel Messi in that game, who was injured. On top of that, the Herons’ 2024 roster is much stronger than the one from last season, with the arrival of Luis Suarez, Federico Redondo, and others.

When it comes to Orlando’s 2024 roster, it looks alright, especially following the signing of Luis Muriel from Atlanta, Nicolas Lodeiro from Seattle, Ivan Angulo from Palmeiras, and David Brekalo from Viking. These are all great players, but they will probably need some time to fit in with their new teammates.

Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Prediction

We predict that Orlando City will give Inter Miami a real war on Saturday, but we doubt the visitors can win the 2024 Florida Derby. Instead, we expect to see Lionel Messi and his teammates score at least one goal more than them.

Pick: Inter Miami