by
- Who: Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC
- Where: DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- When: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: Apple TV
Inter Miami CF is in the midst of a jaw-dropping run. Following a win over Nashville SC on August 19, which earned the team the Leagues Cup title, Miami secured a berth in the U.S. Open Cup Final with a shootout win over FC Cincinnati. The team then played its first MLS regular season game since it signed superstar Lionel Messi, beating the New York Red Bull 2-0 on Saturday night. It’s no surprise, but Messi’s play was instrumental in those victories. Messi scored in regulation, and during penalty kicks in the victory over Nashville, he contributed two assists during Wednesday’s win over Cincinnati. He then picked up a goal against New York. All told, Messi has played nine games for Inter Miami. His stat line is 11 goals and three assists in those matches.
Miami faces the Nashville SC in a rematch of their Leagues Cup game on Wednesday. Miami won that contest on penalty kicks. Despite the game ending at 1-1, with Messi scoring for Miami, Nashville is a significant betting underdog in this MLS regular season game.
Miami is currently one spot out of the MLS Eastern Conference basement with 21 points. However, the team, which was in last place in the Eastern Conference before their win over the Red Bull, is thinking playoffs. Nashville enters the August 30 game with 38 points.
Before we look at the betting breakdown for the MLS matchup between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC, check out the best sites for MLS betting and our guide to betting on soccer.
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC betting picks
| Teams |  |  |  |  |  |
| Inter Miami | -180 | -167 | -180 | -171 | -176 |
| Nashville SC | +440 | +455 | +440 | +409 | +450 |
| Draw | +350 | +335 | +350 | +329 | +340 |
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC betting breakdown
Miami has been very active over the past month or so, playing nine times since July 21. Yes, they have won each of those games, but that’s a lot of play for the team. Further, Lionel Messi has played a lot of minutes in each of those games. There were some expectations that the club would rest their superstar player against New York, and while he didn’t start, Messi entered the contest at the 60th minute of the game and scored at minute 89. It would not be a surprise if Messi once again comes off the bench against Nashville. If that’s the case, Nashville must take advantage of any minutes Miami plays without Messi.
While Miami is coming off a win in their first MLS game since the break ended, Nashville is not. Atlanta United FC ran over Nashville on Saturday, beating them 4-0. Nashville has not won an MLS game since they defeated D.C. United 2-0 on July 1. They are 0-4 since that victory, with three shutout setbacks and only one goal, which came in a 3-1 loss to Cincinnati on July 15.
Miami’s win over New York marked its first MLS match win since May 13 and its first road victory since April 29. With what Messi has brought to the club, mentioning the team’s play before he signed is almost unfair.
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC past matchups
These teams have played nine times in total. Nashville has four wins, Miami has two wins, and the teams have played to a draw three times. Over the course of those games, Nashville has outscored Miami 14-7. In their past six matchups, the teams are 2-2-2. However, Miami has two wins in their past two meetings, beating Nashville 2-1 in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 without Messi and on penalty shots in League Cup play with Messi.
Best Bets for Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC
Miami has not lost since seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion, Lionel Messi joined the club, which leads to the question, do the MLS league games that Inter Miami CF played without Messi matter? They matter as far as where the team sits in the MLS standings, but as for the rest of the MLS season? No, those games don’t matter. Having one of the best players on the squad changes everything for Miami.
One thing to watch with Miami is how the club manages Messi down the stretch. The team needs as many points as it can get if it hopes to make the MLS Playoffs this year, and they are a better team with Messi on the field, but he can’t be expected to play every minute of every game.
Miami is a confident team, even without Messi on the pitch. That matters, as does the fact that Nashville is struggling. Miami is the betting pick to win this game, but there is little betting value in picking them to win. With that, bettors might look at prop bets for this matchup for value. With the betting odds being given to Nashville, it’s tempting to place a wager on them to pull off the upset or even for the game to end in a draw.
Best Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC MLS betting pick: Inter Miami CF to win
Make this bet and more at the best online soccer sportsbooks.
