

From there, Messi was able to lead Argentina to a FIFA World Cup title in 2022, scoring two goals in the final against France and seven goals in the tournament. He has starred for the last two years with PSG, including 16 goals and 16 assists in his last season in Ligue 1. He holds the record for most goals scored in a single calendar year, posting 91 goals in 2012, and Messi is one of the most skilled players of all-time.

He is also a three-time UEFA Men's Player of the Year winner with six European Golden Shoes and well over 650 goals in 19 club seasons with Barcelona and PSG.

His pedigree speaks for itself, as Messi has won two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls, becoming the only player to win the award twice. After signing a deal worth more than $100 million through the 2025 MLS season, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has come to the United States to make an impact. Inter Miami have actually won the last three matches in non-MLS competition, and Messi brings an entirely different dynamic to the table for the club. 19-year-old standout Rodrigo Huescas is also a key piece for Cruz Azul, and he is a player to watch. Cruz Azul is also motivated after a 0-0-3 start to the Liga MX season, and the club projects to have both Uriel Antuna and Carlos Rodriguez back after international play. Inter Miami is also in the bottom five in goals allowed (36), and there could be some unease in the first game with Messi on the pitch. Inter Miami has only five wins in 23 MLS games in 2023, with the third-fewest goals (22) in the league. Inter Miami last won an MLS match more than two months ago, giving up 24 goals in 11 games. Inter Miami is getting a massive infusion of talent with Messi, but the MLS club has an active 11-game winless streak in MLS play. Cruz Azul picks: See picks at SportsLineĬruz Azul is not in the spotlight for this matchup, but Friday's match projects as a relatively friendly matchup for a team hitting the road under the microscope. Cruz Azul spread: Inter Miami -0.5 (-102) Cruz Azul money line: Miami -102, Draw +230, Cruz Azul +250 Here are the betting lines for Cruz Azul vs. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Cruz Azul and just locked in his MLS picks and predictions. Now, Eimer has taken an in-depth look at Inter Miami vs. He is a stunning 167-149-8 on all soccer article picks since the World Cup, returning nearly 28 units for his followers. Since joining SportsLine, Eimer has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. Cruz Azul picks or Leagues Cup predictions, be sure to see what proven SportsLine soccer insider Jon Eimer is saying.Įimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Cruz Azul is a +250 underdog, a draw is priced at +230, and the over/under for total goals scored is 2.5. Caesars Sportsbook lists Inter Miami as the -102 favorite (risk $102 to win $100) in its latest Cruz Azul vs. Each team receives one point if the game is tied after 90 minutes, with the winner of a penalty shootout garnering an additional point. The top two clubs in each region advance to the knockout round and, crucially, there are no ties in group play. The two clubs meet as part of Leagues Cup 2023, a 47-team competition including every club from MLS and Liga MX. The international superstar recently signed a massive deal through 2025 with the MLS club, and Messi's first game will be against Cruz Azul of Liga MX. Lionel Messi is set to debut for Inter Miami on Friday evening.
