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Inter Miami vs LA Galaxy – Picks and Predictions (August 16, 2025)
Lionel Messi Slated to Return as Inter Miami Host Galaxy
The spotlight shines on Fort Lauderdale as Inter Miami welcome back Lionel Messi from a mild thigh injury when they face the struggling LA Galaxy on Saturday night.
Messi, who missed Miami’s last two MLS matches, has trained fully this week and will be available barring any late setbacks, confirmed head coach Javier Mascherano. His return comes at a crucial time for Miami (12-5-6, 42 points), who were thrashed 4-1 by Orlando City last weekend in one of their poorest outings of the season.
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The Galaxy (3-15-7, 16 points) sit at the bottom of the league just a year after winning the MLS Cup. While they’ve shown flashes in Leagues Cup play, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Santos Laguna, their MLS form has been dreadful, winless since mid-July.
Match Information
- Sport: Soccer (MLS)
- Teams: Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
- Betting Odds:
- Inter Miami Moneyline: -210
- LA Galaxy Moneyline: +525
- Draw: +340
- Total Over 3.0 Goals: -125
- Total Under 3.0 Goals: +105
Inter Miami Can Win If…
Messi’s return instantly transforms Miami’s attack. With Luis Suárez and Benjamin Cremaschi providing support, the Herons should generate plenty of chances against a Galaxy defense that has allowed 52 goals, the second-most in MLS. If goalkeeper Oscar Ustari can bounce back from a shaky return match, Miami should cruise.
LA Galaxy Can Win If…
The Galaxy must replicate their Leagues Cup energy in league play. Dejan Joveljic and Gabriel Pec are capable of creating chances, but LA needs defensive discipline to withstand Miami’s firepower. A quick counterattack and an opportunistic strike could tilt momentum if they manage to frustrate Messi early.
Key Stats Comparison
| Stat Category | Inter Miami | LA Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 42 (6th East) | 16 (14th West) |
| Goals Scored | 44 (4th MLS) | 23 (27th MLS) |
| Goals Allowed | 37 | 52 |
| Goal Differential | +7 | -29 |
| Current Form | L1 (3-1-1 last 5) | L1 (0-4-1 last 5) |
The Lean
With Messi back in the lineup and Miami desperate to rebound, this matchup strongly favors the home side. The Galaxy have struggled on both ends in MLS play, and against a motivated Miami, it could be another rough outing. Model projection: Inter Miami 3 – LA Galaxy 1.
- Pick: Inter Miami Moneyline (-210)
- Spread Lean: Inter Miami -1.5 (+115)
- Total Lean: Over 3.0 Goals (-125)
For live match updates and the latest MLS results, check out the Previews page throughout the weekend.
