The Lionel Messi show moves on with another big game as Inter Miami head to FC Cincinnati in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Fresh off claiming their first-ever trophy in the Leagues Cup, the soccer schedule provides Inter Miami with another chance at a cup final. The soccer world is watching everything Messi does with his new team, and MLS standings leader Cincinnati has the chance to make a statement in front of the home crowd.
Before making a Cincinnati vs Inter Miami prediction, it is important to take a look at what is going on with both teams heading into this game. The US Open Cup is the oldest tournament in American soccer and one of the oldest in the world. This year’s edition is down to the semifinals, with Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake playing on the other side of the bracket.
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Overall Game Info & Outlook
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami CF
Location: TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio
Date & Time: August 23, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CBS Sports Golazo | Paramount+
Cincinnati lost to rivals Columbus Crew 3-0 on Sunday in their return to MLS action. Inter Miami beat Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semifinals and then knocked off Nashville SC in the finals in penalty kicks.
FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF Betting Preview
FC Cincinnati Preview
Cincinnati played three games in the Leagues Cup and returned to action in MLS this weekend. In Leagues Cup group play, they beat Sporting KC in penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw, and they beat Chivas 3-1 with both wins at home. In the knockout round, they drew at home with Nashville SC 1-1 and lost in penalty kicks 5-4.
Brandon Vazquez scored five of FC Cincinnati’s seven goals in the Leagues Cup, including a hat trick against Chivas. Captain Luciano Acosta also scored, and FCC benefitted from an own goal against Sporting KC. In the return to MLS action, they lost to Columbus on Sunday but still remain atop the Eastern Conference standings.
- FC Cincinnati is 15-0-3 at home this season in all competitions
- In the U.S. Open Cup, FC Cincinnati has outscored opponents 6-2
- In their last eight games, FC Cincinnati has scored two or more goals on six occasions.
- FC Cincinnati has allowed a goal in five straight home games over all competitions.
Acosta’s Impact: 13 Goals Across All Competitions in the Current Season
Very few teams have the offensive firepower to match Inter Miami right now, but FC Cincinnati are among the teams that can score with Messi. In 24 MLS games this season, FCC have scored 39 goals and posted a +11 goal differential. Acosta has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season, while Vazquez has scored 11 times.
To win this semifinal and go against US Open Cup odds, FC Cincinnati is going to need to rebound from Sunday’s loss in Columbus. The way Miami is playing right now, they need to have a full team effort with strong attacking options while also tracking Messi and playing disciplined defense.
Goalkeeper Alec Kann has played in all the cup games so far over MLS keeper Roman Celentano and the choice for Wednesday will be an interesting one.
Inter Miami Preview
The last month has been an absolute dream for David Beckham and everyone involved with Inter Miami. Those that know how to bet on soccer have taken advantage of the arrival of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to a last-place team.
Miami was underdogs in multiple games, and they stormed their way through the Leagues Cup to claim the big trophy and the automatic CONCACAF Champions League berth.
Miami lost to Cincinnati 1-0 in April, but that was a completely different team with a different manager. Since losing 3-0 in St. Louis in their final game before Messi and company were activated, Miami is unbeaten in seven games with 22 goals scored. Messi has scored or set up 14 of those goals, and Miami beat both FC Dallas and Nashville SC in penalty kicks.
- Inter Miami is 1-9-1 on the road in MLS this season but didn’t have Messi for any of those games.
- Since Messi joined the roster, Inter Miami has scored in all seven games, and they have scored multiple goals in six games.
- Inter Miami won their four U.S. Open Cup games by a combined score of 6-3.
- Inter Miami has allowed a goal in 11 of their last 13 games.
Messi’s Impact: Leading Scorer for FC Cincinnati with 10 Goals in 7 Games
Messi is already Cincinnati’s leading scorer on the season, with ten goals in seven games. Josef Martinez has nine goals, three from the Leagues Cup, and Robert Taylor has four goals in the last seven after scoring twice pre-Messi. Alba scored once in his five Leagues Cup games and helped anchor the defense.
Before making soccer picks for an FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami prediction, it is important to look at the lineup. Miami is gassed after playing seven games in 30 days, and Tata Martino will have to start to look at his bench. Drake Callender is a hot goalkeeper, playing with confidence, and Miami’s chances get a boost if he gets the nod on Wednesday.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
Betonline: Inter Miami +118. FC Cincinnati +188. Draw +309
Bovada: Inter Miami +115. FC Cincinnati +190. Draw +275
MyBookie: Inter Miami -105. FC Cincinnati +215. Draw +275
BetUS: Inter Miami +110. FC Cincinnati +200. Draw +280
BetNow: Inter Miami +119. FC Cincinnati +196. Draw +294
FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF Odds & Picks
- Moneyline: Checking the Bovada soccer betting odds, Messi and Inter Miami are favored at +115 on the moneyline. FC Cincinnati hasn’t lost at home this season, but they are +190 on the moneyline to reach the U.S. Open Cup Final. A draw after 90 minutes is +275.
- Totals: The over 3.0 goals at -130 and under 3.0 goals at even.
Odds for this Matchup:
| FC Cincinnati | Draw | Inter Miami CF |
| +190 | +275 | +115 |
Recommended Pick: Inter Miami ML (+115)
It is impossible to pick against Messi and Inter Miami right now the way they are playing and pulling off win after win. Messi definitely has a flair for the dramatic and the way these teams can both score; look at the over three goals as well.
Another FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami prediction would be to take Messi as an anytime goal scorer once the player prop lines are available, as he’s scored in every game so far for Miami.
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