Inter Miami have failed to exert the same dominance on the Eastern Conference as they have done in recent seasons but their play-off place still seems very secure.
The Herons topped the East in 2024 before finishing just a point off the summit last year, but this season they are a full 14 points behind pacesetters Nashville SC.
Next up for Lionel Messi and co is Sunday night’s trip to Columbus Crew, who are in real danger of missing out on the play-offs altogether if they don’t start picking up wins soon.
Columbus Crew v Inter Miami Tips Summary
Best Bet - Inter Miami to win @ 6/5
Alternative Bet - Lionel Messi to assist a goal @ 6/4
Bet Builder - Inter Miami to win, Over 3 goals, Casemiro to be booked @ 8/1
Columbus Crew v Inter Miami Prediction
Best Bet: Inter Miami to win @ 6/5
One win from their last eight MLS games has dealt a hammer blow to Inter Miami’s chances of finishing first in the Eastern Conference this season, although they are still well on the way to securing a play-off berth.
They have found a good opportunity to bounce back from their recent struggles against a Columbus Crew side who have lost seven of their last 10 games in all competitions.
The Crew are second-bottom of the East and their recent record against these opponents leaves a lot to be desired.
Inter Miami have won six of the last eight meetings between the two, with the other two drawn, and they look set to extend that run.
The Herons may have lost some of their key men to international duty but crucially Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will play this match before meeting up with Argentina to play the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s final game for his country.
The home side are missing their fair share of stars through international duty too, with defender Steven Moreira a particularly notable absentee.
Side with Inter Miami to get back to winning ways and secure a crucial victory before Messi departs for his international swansong.
Alternative Bet: Lionel Messi to assist a goal @ 6/4
Lionel Messi has been making the headlines once again for Inter Miami this season, scoring 20 goals and registering 11 assists in 23 MLS games.
The Argentinian has been particularly influential recently, chipping in with three assists in his last five outings.
Against a Columbus Crew side who have shipped seven goals in their last two meetings with these opponents, Messi is fancied to assist again.
Columbus Crew v Inter Miami Bet Builder Tip
Inter Miami to win
Over 3 goals
Casemiro to be booked
Pays 8/1
Inter Miami should be too strong for a Columbus Crew side who are out of play-off contention at present.
Four or more goals has been a feature of nine of Inter Miami’s last 13 games and a repeat of that looks likely in this clash, particularly given the fact that Messi will feature before heading off on international duty.
Casemiro has been playing as a makeshift central defender since his move to Inter Miami and has already picked up three cautions in 10 games. The former Manchester United star looks a solid bet for another card.
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Key Match Stats
Inter Miami have won four of the last five head-to-heads
Nine of Inter Miami’s last 13 games have gone over 3.5 goals
Columbus Crew have lost seven of their last 10 games
Three of Inter Miami’s last four MLS games have finished 2-2
MLS top scorer Lionel Messi has 20 goals this season
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
