Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake prediction, odds, time: 2024 MLS picks, Lionel Messi best bets from top expert

The most hyped team in MLS history kicks off the 2024 MLS season when Lionel Messi and Inter Miami square off against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday in the newly renamed Chase Stadium outside Miami. Led by Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, the Herons are the clear +300 favorites to win the MLS Cup, ahead of the Columbus Crew and LAFC, who are both +800. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake are +5000 to lift the trophy; just six teams have longer odds. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The Herons are the -195 favorites (risk $195 to win $100) in the latest Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake odds, with Real Salt Lake the +430 underdogs. A draw is priced at +350 and the over/under for total goals scored is 3.5. Before you lock in your Real Salt Lake vs. Inter Miami picks or MLS predictions, you need to see what proven SportsLine soccer expert Jon “Buckets” Eimer has to say.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. In 2023 he was red-hot, going 248-234-12 for a profit of $2,593 for $100 bettors. He also enters Wednesday’s match on a bit of a roll, going 8-3 in his last 11 soccer picks for a profit of $505.

Now, Eimer has broken down Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake from every angle and identified his picks and MLS predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see Eimer’s picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Real Salt Lake vs. Inter Miami:

• Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake spread: Inter Miami -0.5 (-190)
• Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake over/under: 3.5 goals
• Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake money line: Inter Miami -195, Real Salt Lake +430, Draw +350
• MIA: Leonardo Campana led the team last season in goals (nine)
• RSL: Real Salt Lake tied for seventh in the Western Conference last year in goals (48)
• Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake: See picks at SportsLine

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Why you should back Inter Miami 

Messi was brilliant in the short time he was with the Herons last season. In 14 games with Inter Miami across all competitions last year, Messi had 11 goals and four assists. The team won eight times, drew four others, and lost twice over that stretch, which included the first trophy in the club’s four-year history, the Leagues Cup.

In addition, the Herons made an under-the-radar acquisition in the offseason with the signing of free agent Julian Gressel. The 30-year-old midfielder is known as one of the best crossers in the league, a trait that should blend well with Inter Miami’s plethora of attacking talent. In 228 regular season and playoff appearances in MLS, Gressel has 68 assists and 27 goals. See which team to pick here.

Why you should back Real Salt Lake

Pablo Mastroeni’s men made one of the most interesting acquisitions of the offseason with the signing of 17-year-old Fidel Barajas. A native of northern California, the left-footed attacker scored five goals and had 11 assists last season in his first full year with the Charleston Battery of the USL Championship. For his efforts, he was named the league’s Young Player of the Year and earned a spot in the All-League Second Team.

In addition, the Claret-and-Cobalt will face an Inter Miami side that struggled defensively last season. The Herons conceded 54 goals last year; just four teams – Toronto, LA Galaxy, Portland and Austin – allowed more. During their seven-match preseason tour, Inter Miami gave up 13 goals. See which team to pick here.

How to make Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake picks

Eimer has broken down Wednesday’s MLS season opener from every possible angle and is picking Over 3.5 goals. He also has two other confident best bets, including one that offers a plus-money payout, and a full breakdown of this match. He’s sharing his MLS picks and analysis only at SportsLine.

So who wins Real Salt Lake vs. Inter Miami on Wednesday, and where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see which wagers in Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake have all the value, all from the soccer expert who was up almost 26 units on all soccer picks in 2023, and find out.

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