Messi's move to last-place Inter Miami gave the club's MLS Cup odds a massive boost
Lionel Messi made official his move to MLS side Inter Miami on Wednesday, and the impact is already being felt far and wide.
Fans were stunned by the news, Inter Miami’s social media following exploded and his former club, Barcelona, released one of the saltiest statements possible after all hope of a possible reunion was dashed.
Another effect of the move is a major boost in Miami’s title odds.
The club has been one of the worst all season, ranking dead last in the Eastern Conference (15th place) with 15 points (5-11-0 record) and 27th overall out of 29 teams. Only two teams had worst title odds Tuesday than Miami’s +20000 at Caesars.
Today, those odds are up to +3000, which rank 10th. That’s 200-1 to 30-1 in less than 48 hours! And there were similar leaps at other sportsbooks.
Odds for Inter Miami to win the 2023 MLS cup @SuperBookSports
150/1: Before Messi news
25/1: After Messi news(h/t @golfodds) pic.twitter.com/jBRJkCBSZS
— Action Network Soccer (@ActionNetSoccer) June 7, 2023
In order for Miami to make good on those bets, it’ll first have to make up six points in the standings to qualify for the playoffs (which requires a top-nine spot in the conference). With a schedule that runs through October, it has plenty of time left, though the date of Messi’s debut is still to be determined.
The Athletic reported his potential debut could come during the team’s Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21.