MLS Cup Odds: The Power Of Friendship Makes Miami Favorites

It's time to look at the 2024 MLS Cup Odds now that North American soccer has officially begun!

The odds-on favorite to win this year's championship is Lionel Messi's Inter Miami at +250. The runners-up are defending champions Columbus Crew at +1000.

2024 MLS Cup Odds

Odds as of April 25

MLS Cup Odds: Can Messi's Miami Win it?

With a star-studded roster of household names and a winning record, it's hard to discredit Inter Miami's chances. The duo of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi have combined for eight goals and four helpers in seven games now. The power of friendship wins again.

But, it goes beyond those two with Sergio Busquets pulling the string in the middle and Jordi Alba bombing down the flanks as that wide playmaker. And don't forget Drake Callender in the net who has a 75% SV% on the year so far.

And thank God for that, because without him, Miami might be in massive trouble. The Herons have the eighth-highest expected goals against in the league at 14.7. 

MLS Cup Odds Challengers

LAFC

If you want to be reminded about how long the season is, look at where LAFC is on the oddsboard. LAFC, who've only managed three wins so far but has lost and drawn three times as well. Netting 1.33 points per game isn't Cup-winning form.

Some will point to the fact that LAFC won the league two years ago and were runners-up last year. But LA started the year much better in both of those seasons.

In 2022 they went 7-1-1 (22 points) in their opening nine games while in 2023 that record was 5-3-1 (16 points). That's 10 to four points better at the same point in the year, respectively. 

I would hold off putting any money on LAFC until they've proven they aren't just riding on their history and are actual title challengers.

Columbus Crew

They're only the defending champions and find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference with 11 points from four games.

A recent study found that Columbus is neck-and-neck with some of the most elite clubs in the world when it comes to holding possession under incredible pressure.

Study done by the Football Observatory on teams with the highest ball retention percentage under high-intensity pressure: pic.twitter.com/EJ7xd6XwCG

— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) March 20, 2024

Columbus is the reigning champ and is playing a winning game (again). They've stumbled defensively allowing eight goals in their last 10. But with so much time left in the season, why doubt them now?

Last 10 MLS Cup Champions

For the fan of competitiveness, the MLS has been a dream with no back-to-back winners over the last 10 years. Sure, the Seattle Sounders have won it twice in the previous decade, but those championships were separated by three years. This is a league where any team can win in any year.