Leagues Cup quarter-final tips: Messi and Miami to advance as MLS dominate Liga MX
- George Dempsey
- 11 August 2023
The Leagues Cup reaches the quarter-final stage on Friday evening as Lionel Messi and co take on Charlotte FC, while LAFC welcome Monterrey.
The annual MLS vs Liga MX tournament is nearing its conclusion with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami still in the hunt for a trophy.
Leagues Cup betting tips
Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC
Lionel Messi has found the net seven times in his first four games, but that's not surprising. Miami had a kind schedule until visiting FC Dallas.
The little magician whipped in a stunning free-kick to tie the game at 4-4 with minutes remaining before his side advanced on penalties.
The most notable thing about Tata Martino's side is that his presence, along with Busquets and Alba, has instantly made those around them better players.
Vice City are on a roll now and it should take more than Charlotte to stop them. The hosts could score early and often, so we'll go for Miami to lead at half-time and full-time.
Philadelphia Union vs Queretaro
Philadelphia will host just one of two MLS vs Liga MX contests on the night and Queretaro's chances of making it to the semi-final look slim to us.
The Union were finding their old form prior to this tournament and they've continued to rattle in the goals at a frightening rate.
They dispatched Tijuana 3-1 before beating this same Queretaro team 5-1 earlier in the tournament. The Mexican teams have largely struggled with being on US soil.
They've found their feet well since that hammering, but there's no evidence they're any better prepared for what the Union will throw at them. Back the hosts to win big.
Nashville SC vs Minnesota United
We both think and hope Nashville can advance here. They're such a fun and enjoyable team to watch, and that isn't a slight on Minnesota United.
The Loons have improved since Reynoso returned and Pukki arrived, but Hany Mukhtar vs Lionel Messi needs to be a thing.
This could be a wide-open game in the latter stages, which has been a noticeable trend for both of these attack-minded sides.
Nashville games have featured 11 of 20 goals after the 60-minute mark and just four in the first half overall. Minnesota games have seen 11 of 19 goals scored after 60 minutes and five in the first half.
LAFC vs Monterrey
LAFC are considered the benchmark in MLS, even if it's up for debate whether or not they're the most dangerous team right now.
Mexican visitors Monterrey have looked the pick of the Liga MX bunch from the start, alongside Club America, and will pose a real threat here.
The MLS side is the bookie's favourite largely because they're the home side, but they're still a big price and this is a tough game to call.
We've seen LAFC annihilate Real Salt Lake 4-0 and FC Juarez 7-1 while Monterrey beat RSL 3-0 and Seattle 4-2, so we'll predict a high-scoring game.
