The 2026 World Cup causes a considerable break for the MLS season. We will not even see an end to the 31st MLS campaign until November 7th. That is some eight months away. In the meantime, the first phase of the MLS run started on February 21st and will continue until May 25th. Yes, we are heading into the third Saturday of the season already.
The good news is that weather figures to become less and less of an issue from the standpoint of cold as March moves along. Naturally, we examine Inter Miami on the road at DC United for this Saturday afternoon clash. Do not be surprised if a few other potential wagers sneak their way in.
Before we get down to business with the MLS Saturday Best Bets, make sure to check out the latest on the best Las Vegas soccer betting sites.
So, the last we left Inter Miami and Messi, they were celebrating an MLS Cup triumph. Maybe, a game in March does not mean much amidst the background of a World Cup year, however the MLS is trending upward. Viewership is up over the first two weekends and noticeably so. Inter Miami was a little rusty. However, in the MLS Saturday Best Bets, we are all in on the favorite here.
Okay, the 2025 MLS champions have looked a little out of sorts in the early going. The Messi led squad lost their opener and needed to rally to gain their lone victory of 2026. Hey, it is only March. Going down 2-0 at half to Orlando City SC probably caused some angry souls in that Inter Miami locker room.
The belief is the team will take some time to get going. However, that firepower is undeniable. When the team from Miami gets rolling, there are a select few who can even slow them down. Orlando certainly could not last week. Frankly, it is almost like a mission impossible. DC United is not exactly an offensive threat — scoring one goal and allowing one goal in two matches.
How does Inter Miami approach this match? They are better prepared and have far more talent than DC. DC expects to try and bottle things up to slow the pace of the game down. It may take a little time for Inter Miami to get going. One of the good aspects is that better weather is expected on Saturday. At the least, that should give Inter Miami CF the nod in victory outright.
So, will it be the first or second half for Inter Miami? That is the question. Now, we saw how they came out against Orlando City in the second half. However, they might have a chance to breakthrough early against DC United. The expectation is for that in the MLS Saturday Best Bets. After all, DC United has given up a fair share of scoring chances in the early going.
Right now, the money is on DC United paying for their previous sins so to speak. I like Inter Miami taking the lead early and holding off DC at halftime (+120 via BetUS). The second half comeback is now in the Even to -115 range. That number seems to be going out into the negative further.
The reality is that Inter Miami is more than just Messi. We saw that last year as the Mas Brothers brought in more than enough talent. With Javier Mascherano coaching and Messi mapping games, Inter Miami paced themselves throughout the season and completed the expected task finally. Yes, now comes the hard part. Can they defend the crown?
One big concern for Inter Miami is always the lapses in play. They can go halves without scoring then score in waves. Sometimes no one truly knows when the goals are going to come. It just happens. The expectation here is that Inter Miami brings forth a more measured effort and strikes surgically and early on Saturday.
Yes, let’s go crazy with the over here. So, we mentioned Inter Miami and their penchant for goals. MLS Saturday Best Bets want to know if they can pot 3+ goals. Messi knows he has more than enough talent still (scored twice against Orlando). Even an anytime goal is a pretty sure bet here. After that, the 3+ goals now stands at +150. That was a surprise.
This is because the team from DC is thought to be somewhat more of a defensive stalwart than previous years. Guess what? That means little. Inter Miami determines what Inter Miami is going to do most games. If the team is on, they are on. If they are off, the Miami boys are off. Often, there is little in between.
The biggest risk is the game total of 3.5 goals here. Miami likely needs at least three goals anyway. So if one wagers on the team over, the game over makes sense too. Check to see what if/then bets are at the offing too. That cannot hurt this time of year. It feels like scoring will pick up as the weather improves.
Hey, we serve up the latest 2026 MLS betting online odds. Also, peruse our partner table below, where you will find the updated 2026 online betting sites in the USA for soccer betting and much more:
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."