The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, brings a wealth of talent, experience, and unmatched skill to the Major League Soccer at the age of 36.
While it is not yet known when Messi will make his MLS debut. There are plenty of betting options for the public to jump on.
Will Messi Score on his Debut?
| Will Lionel Messi Score in His First Game? | Odds |
| Yes | -130 |
| No | -110 |
The Messi Inter Miami era cannot begin before July 8 since the transfer window officially opens on July 5. With Inter having a road game that weekend, it is likely we don’t see Messi in MLS before July 15, which would be a home game against St. Louis City. If he doesn’t play against St. Louis, then Messi’s MLS debut won’t come until at least August 20. As Inter Miami plays in the revamped Leagues Cup from July 21-August 19.
Click here to dive into our BetUs Review
Looking at the Messi odds, he is -130 to score in his first MLS game as a starter and -110 to not score. The smart bet is to take yes on this bet. Messi will be the focus of the offense; he will have the ball frequently and will be the person to take free kicks and penalty kicks, increasing his scoring chances.
The Messi odds to score 2+ goals are a little harder to bet with -1400 no and +625 yes. Once you know the competition that can help, as if it comes against a team like Atlanta (Leagues Cup) or FC Charlotte (August 20) that gives up more goals. Then that is a yes chance at great money.
Messi’s Jersey Will Be Popular
| Will Messi’s Inter Miami Jersey Be The Top-Selling MLS Jersey? | Odds |
| Yes | -300 |
| No | +200 |
One of the best Messi Inter Miami subplots is how this helps the league and growing the game in the United States leading into the 2026 World Cup. Messi is the most popular player in the world, and especially in a town like Miami with a high Spanish-speaking population. His jersey is going to be a must-have.
One of the easier Messi predictions to make is that his jersey will be the top-selling MLS jersey in his first season. The soccer odds are -300 yes and +200 no, so it is tough to be profitable on this line, but it seems to be a lock.
League Leader?
| Will Messi Lead the League As Top Goalscorer in 2023? | Odds |
| Yes | +425 |
| No | -800 |
The Messi Inter Miami season for 2023 won’t be a full season. At most, Messi will play in 14 games, and that is if he never has a game off and stays healthy. That number also assumes he starts on July 8, when first eligible. More likely, he will play in 11-12 games. Given the workload of a full PSG season plus the World Cup last winter with Argentina.
The Inter Miami odds for Messi to lead the league in goals is +425 yes and -500 no. The current MLS goals leader has 10, so the Argentine superstar is already well behind the Golden Boot leaders.
The players who have nine and ten goals already will also play four more games before Messi joins the league. Giving them a chance to extend that lead and make it to where Messi has to score at least once in every game he plays to catch up.
Stats Predictions
The Messi Inter Miami connection should be fun and productive. Miami is currently in last place in the East, seven points out of the final playoff spot. They need Messi to have a monster impact to turn the tables and reach the post-season with a new coach as well.
Messi’s odds to score over 7.5 goals is -110, with the under at -130. He is -120 on both sides of providing over or under 6.5 assists.
If we assume he has ten games to play, he should hit both of those numbers. Messi scored a goal a game in three of his final seasons with Barcelona, and while he didn’t hit those numbers with PSG, he wasn’t the focal point of the offense. In Miami, the offense will run through Messi, and he will take the penalty kicks and free kicks, which will only increase his numbers.
Messi had 16 goals and 16 assists in 32 games with PSG this season, and he had 14 assists in 24 league games last year. He also scored four times and had four assists in seven Champions League games this year and added another seven goals playing for Argentina.
If he scores in two of three games, that’s right at the number on his bets. Given his flair for the dramatic throughout his career. Plus the undisputed fact that he’s playing against lesser competition in MLS than in Europe, expect more goal production.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.