Bettors and Sporting Kansas City Eyes Golden Opportunity as Inter Miami's Key Players Miss Out

MIAMI, FL - The pivotal MLS face-off on the 9th of September at DRV Pink Stadium between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City holds magnified importance as both teams are currently jockeying for better positions outside the final series playoff spots. With Inter Miami sitting at 14th in the Eastern Conference and Sporting Kansas City at 11th in the Western Conference, both teams have their postseason aspirations hanging in the balance.

The absence of Lionel Messi and several crucial players from the Inter Miami lineup further thickens the plot: How Messi-dependent is Inter Miami, and can Sporting Kansas City capitalize on this golden situation? 

“That’s a question that a lot of our customers are asking themselves right now,” says Tim Williams, director of public affairs for online sportsbook, BetUS.com. “We’ve seen an unprecedented level of growth in our MLS betting markets, something we’ve even coined the ‘Messi effect.’ It will be interesting to see how our customers perceive Inter Miami’s chances in a match without Messi.”  

Inter Miami's reliance on Messi is not merely about his scoring prowess but his overwhelming influence on the team's dynamics. This game will undoubtedly serve as a revealing insight into Miami's dependency on the Argentine wizard. Beyond Messi, Manager Gerardo Martino is up against the ropes, missing young winger Edinson Azcona, steadfast goalkeeper Drake Callender, and top scorer Josef Martínez. 

"Given Messi's stature and performance, his absence alone was bound to create repercussions in the betting world. But with Inter Miami's foundational players also sidelined, the odds for a Sporting Kansas City victory in various scenarios have become particularly intriguing," Williams says.  

BetUS’s odds for the match are testament to just how close of a match we can expect. “Our oddsmakers currently have this match set as a ‘pick’ line, meaning even odds for both teams on the point spread, with Inter Miami just barely favored at +120 versus Sporting KC’s +190 on the moneyline,” Williams says. “And, for what it's worth, our odds of a draw are currently at +295, or about 25% implied probability.” 

These tight game odds may be why many of BetUS’s customers are choosing to bet from the company’s wide variety of prop bets for the match instead. Williams says his company has more than 20 props for the match already posted. 

 "For instance, the odds for Sporting Kansas City to Win and Both Teams to Score are set at +300 (3/1), while Sporting Kansas City to Win from Behind is at a tempting +650 (13/2)." 

Inter Miami has previously displayed their caliber against formidable teams like Cincinnati and Los Angeles FC, but this match will critically test their depth and resilience. On the flip side, Sporting Kansas City carries momentum from their recent 2-1 come-from-behind victory over St. Louis, thanks to a stellar performance from Alan Pulido. 

With the urgency of the playoff race and the drama of key absences, this clash is a testament to the MLS's promise of unpredictability and thrill, Williams says. “We expect MLS to compete with the likes of the NBA in betting volume at some point in the not-so-distant future.” 

For real-time odds, expert opinions, and more, visit BetUS.com, the original online sportsbook celebrating its 30th season this year.