The Philadelphia Union host Inter Miami CF on Wednesday night at Subaru Park in a matchup that brings Lionel Messi and one of Major League Soccer’s most dangerous attacks to Philadelphia. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV.
Philadelphia enters the matchup playing its best soccer of the season. The Union have won four straight MLS matches and are coming off a 3-2 comeback victory over New York City FC after falling behind 2-0 in the first half on a pair of penalties. The Union’s recent surge has provided some life to a season in which the club has otherwise struggled, as it currently sits 13th in the Eastern Conference at 5-10-4.
Miami, meanwhile, remains near the top of the East at 11-3-5 but has hit its roughest stretch of the season. The Herons have lost three straight matches across all competitions, including Leagues Cup play, and are coming off a 4-1 loss to Nashville SC over the weekend.
Wednesday’s game also serves as a rematch of one of the wildest MLS games of the season. Miami defeated Philadelphia 6-4 back in May after the Union jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage. Luis Suárez and Philadelphia’s Milan Iloski each recorded hat tricks in the 10-goal thriller.
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami Odds Today
The two sides enter Wednesday essentially even on the 3-way moneyline at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Philadelphia Union (+135)
- Draw (+300)
- Inter Miami CF (+155)
Is Lionel Messi Playing Today?
Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to play and start for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night. Messi traveled with the club to Philadelphia and trained with the first team ahead of the matchup.
Messi returned to Inter Miami’s starting lineup over the weekend against Nashville, recording an assist while also having a penalty blocked. Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos said ahead of Wednesday’s match that Messi looks good and comfortable on the field.
The 39-year-old remains the centerpiece of Miami’s attack and enters Wednesday with 12 goals and nine assists in MLS play this season.
Best Bet: Inter Miami Moneyline (+155)
The price on Miami reflects a combination of its recent form and a lengthy list of absences. The Herons will be without Mateo Silvetti, Santiago Morales, Micael, Germán Berterame and Tadeo Allende due to injury, while Rodrigo De Paul is unavailable due to suspension.
Miami has also dropped three straight matches across all competitions and has allowed nine goals during that stretch, capped by Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Nashville. Even with those concerns, Inter Miami +155 is an intriguing number against a Philadelphia team that has spent much of the season near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Hard Rock Bet’s Stats Hub also points to a strong bounce-back trend for the Herons. Inter Miami has now won seven consecutive MLS matches immediately following a loss, meaning they should be primed for another get-right game tonight in Chester.
Philadelphia’s four-game MLS winning streak deserves respect, but Miami still owns the stronger season-long body of work and already scored six goals against the Union earlier this year. With Messi leading the attack, the plus-money price provides enough value to back the Herons to respond.
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet players are backing Messi and Inter Miami to walk away with three points tonight:
- Inter Miami is the choice on 85% of the tickets, complimented by 93.6% of the total handle.
- Philadelphia has received 11.5% of the bets while pulling in just 5.5% of all money wagered.
- The draw has seen limited action with 3.5% of all wagers and a 0.9% share of the handle.
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props
Messi and Suárez account for all five of the most popular player props at Hard Rock Bet ahead of Wednesday’s matchup:
- Lionel Messi – To Score or Assist
- Lionel Messi – Over 1.5 Shots on Target
- Lionel Messi – Anytime Goalscorer
- Luis Suárez – Over 0.5 Shots on Target
- Luis Suárez – Anytime Goalscorer
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami Match Info
- 📍 Location: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
- 📅 Date: Wednesday, August 19
- ⏰ Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: Apple TV
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