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- Who: New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF
- Where: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, USA
- When: Saturday, August 26, 2023
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: Apple TV, MLS Season Pass
Inter Miami CF is in the midst of a fantastic run. Following a win over Nashville SC on Sunday, 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 on Wednesday night. Unsurprisingly, the play of the team’s superstar signing, Lionel Messi, was instrumental in both of those victories. Messi scored in regulation and during penalty kicks in the victory over Nashville, and he contributed two assists during Wednesday’s win. All told, Messi has played eight games for Inter Miami. His stat line is 10 goals and three assists in those matches. In short, Messi has the team, which is in last place in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference standings, thinking playoffs.
Inter Miami looks to move to 9-0 with Messi on the roster when the team faces the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in MLS play in New York. Miami is currently 5-14-3 with 18 points. New York has a record of 7-9-8 with 29 points. Neither team would make the MLS Playoffs if they started today.
Saturday’s New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF matchup marks Messi’s first official MLS season game. His previous play for the team was for the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup.
Before we look at the betting breakdown for the MLS matchup between the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami CF, check out the best sites for MLS betting and our guide to betting on soccer.
New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF betting picks
| Teams |  |  |  |  |
| Inter Miami | +160 | +173 | +166 | +158 |
| New York Red Bulls | +155 | +152 | +145 | +159 |
| Draw | +265 | +265 | +259 | +260 |
New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF betting breakdown
Inter Miami has been very active over the past month, playing seven times since July 25. Yes, they have won each of those games, but that’s a lot of play for the team. In contrast, the New York Red Bulls have only played four times since July 22, and their most recent game came on August 20 when they downed D.C. United 1-0. It’s hard to tell how the active schedule will affect Miami, but one thing to watch is Messi’s minutes on Saturday. He played 90 minutes in five straight games and 120 minutes on Wednesday night.
The goal of both teams in this game is to pick up three points and continue their charge to the playoffs. As both teams are on the outside of the playoffs at this time, this is a crucial MLS contest.
Overall, both of these clubs are near the bottom in goals scored in MLS with New York putting up 23 goals to Miami’s 22. As for goals against, New York is in the red in that category, giving up 26, but that’s a lot better than Miami’s 36 goals surrendered.
New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF previous meetings
These two MLS clubs have played seven times in the past. New York has five wins over that time, with Miami triumphing in two games. In their game earlier this season, which was played in Miami, New York won 1-0. Miami had 62.2 percent possession time in that matchup but only managed six shots and one shot on goal. New York was much more effective on the offensive side of play, racking up 18 shots, nine of which made it on net.
Miami has a 2020 win over New York at Red Bull Arena, beating them 2-1 in that game.
Obviously, the Miami club has changed much since May.
Best Bets for New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF
Miami has not won an MLS regular season game in its past 11 tries. However, the team 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.
With that being said, this game will be a test for Miami. They have been playing a lot as of late, and those minutes will catch up with them sooner or later. I don’t think this will be the game where that happens. The betting pick is for Miami to beat New York on Saturday.
Best New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami CF MLS betting pick: Inter Miami CF to beat New York Red Bulls
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