MLS Preview: Inter Miami vs. New York City FC Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Sep 30)

• Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s last two games, but he could return on Saturday.
• The last time Inter Miami vs. NYCFC was played in Florida, the hosts won.
• Inter Miami needs to beat the visitors from New York to stay in the playoff race.

Inter Miami needs Lionel Messi! The captain was absent on Wednesday evening when the Herons came short against Houston Dynamo in the 2023 US Open Cup Final. But he’s expected to return on Saturday when Inter Miami plays the first of its five remaining games in the regular season of the MLS.

The Herons are still below the playoff zone, meaning that beating New York City FC on September 30 is a must for Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s team. Will they pull it off?

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How to Watch

• When: Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 7:30 p.m ET
• Where: DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• How to Watch: Apple TV

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Odds

Game Result	Odds
Inter Miami
Draw
New York City FC

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Game Preview

Inter Miami has a very poor record against New York City FC, winning just one of their eight duels. However, their only win happened in their most recent meeting at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. It happened more than a year ago when the Herons were without Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, and while their coach was Phill Neville.

Things are different now and Inter Miami looks much stronger than before. The trouble is that some of Martino’s key men are struggling with fitness, most notably Messi. The soccer GOAT has already missed two games due to a lingering muscle injury.

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His absence was felt on the pitch in those games. First, the Messi-less Inter Miami failed to beat Orlando City in the Florida Derby in the MLS, with the game ending in a 1-1 tie. Then, on Wednesday, we saw them losing to Houston Dynamo in the cup 2-1.

This coming weekend, they’re facing another tough opponent, but the good thing is that it’s likely Messi will come back.

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Inter Miami vs. NYCFC Prediction

Without Messi, Inter Miami would struggle to beat New York City FC, but he’ll probably play on Saturday. Even if he’s not 100% fit, he’ll have to spend at least some time on the pitch as this is a super-important game for the Herons. If they want to stay in the race for the postseason, they need to win this game.

Free Pick: