MLS Preview: Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Sep 24)

• Lionel Messi will miss the Orlando vs. Inter Miami game on September 24.
• Orlando City needs only a few more points to book the playoff ticket.

Orlando City vs. Inter Miami is one of the hottest matchups of the next round of the 2023 MLS. First of all, this is the Florida Derby. Secondly, the Herons are desperate for points to challenge for a spot in the playoffs. Lastly, they’re going to be without their best player Lionel Messi on Sunday who’s out with an injury.

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How to Watch

• When: Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 7:30 p.m ET
• Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida
• How to Watch: Fox Sports 1

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Odds

Game Result	Odds
Orlando City
Draw
Inter Miami

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Game Preview

Orlando City is sitting in the No. 2 position on the Eastern Conference table. This team is just a few points away from securing a spot in the playoffs. That said, these guys shouldn’t worry much about what’s going to happen in the remainder of the regular season.

This, however, doesn’t mean they’re not going to be motivated on September 24. On the contrary, they’re playing against their state rival on their own turf, which is why we expect to see them go all-in in this game.

Lionel Messi had to leave the pitch injured in the first half during Inter Miami's game 🆚 Toronto 🤕❌ pic.twitter.com/0D7bN2GfnD

— 433 (@433) September 21, 2023

Still, it’s Inter Miami that’s going to have more motivation this coming Sunday. The Herons are still behind the Top 9, but they still have a good chance to get into the playoff zone. For that, they just need to keep playing well. The trouble is that they won’t have their best player Lionel Messi on the field against Orlando.

The Messiah has been struggling with an injury for a while now, which is why he missed the game with Atlanta United, which his team lost 5-2. In the game with Toronto FC on Wednesday evening, he started the game but was subbed off in the 37^th minute when it was still 0-0 on the scoreboard.

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However, even without Messi on the pitch, the Herons were able to score four goals in the remainder of the game. Finnish winger Robert Taylor was brilliant in that game, scoring twice and recording one assist.

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Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Prediction

The last time these two met, Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup. Messi scored two goals that night, and the game was played on Inter’s turf. It’s going to be different this time. Messi is out and the game is played in Orlando.

Free Pick: