Major League Soccer returns tomorrow in the United States, just over two months after we saw Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF lift their first ever MLS Cup in early December. Are we due for a repeat? Many signs would point that way.
There are a couple of clubs in close contention for the title. LAFC is one, as they will have their first full season with Son Heung-Min, who most recently played with Tottenham in the Premier League.
The other top competitor is the Vancouver Whitecaps, having led the MLS last season in expected goals last season. They are led by Thomas Muller, formerly of Bayern Munich. The MLS Cup market is all over these three clubs, loaded with superstars from across the globe.
THE TOP CONTENDERS
Inter Miami | +450 to Win MLS Cup | 2025 Record: 19-7-8 (3rd in Eastern Conference) | Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: MLS Cup 2025 champions
It’s tough to argue that Lionel Messi will not be victorious. Whether it’s club or international, the man is one of the greatest who will ever do it. His 29 goals last season in the MLS led the league by margin, and that will continue to propel his Inter Miami team this season. They have lost some legends in the process, like any championship-winning team with a veteran presence looking to go out on top. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets hung it up after the 2025 MLS Cup title, leaving an opening on Inter Miami’s back line. In response, Miami went out and traded for David Ayala, a midfielder from the Portland Timbers, who could add a back line option. The club led the MLS with 81 goals scored last season, 13 more than the next closest team, Chicago. Miami was also atop the assists column in the MLS, racking up 84 as a team.
LAFC | +600 to Win MLS Cup | 2025 Record: 17-8-9 (3rd in Western Conference) | Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Semifinals
If anyone is going to compete with Inter Miami it would be this club in Los Angeles, now ready for Son Heung-Min to perform for a full season alongside Denis Bouanga. The two had chemistry from the jump after Son was signed last season. Son scored 12 goals in 13 games, adding four assists as well. Bouanga finished second to Messi in the race for the Golden Boot with 24 goals. Additions still had to be made over the offseason, as the club signed Amin Boudri from Swedish side GAIS to give the midfield some more firepower. There will be a manager change for this club – Marc Dos Santos will take the reins after Steve Cherundolo stepped down.
Vancouver Whitecaps | +900 to Win MLS Cup | 2025 Record: 18-7-9 (2nd in Western Conference) | Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: MLS Cup finalist
The signing of Thomas Muller in August pushed this club to a different level, as the Whitecaps finished last season strong. In their 2025 campaign, Vancouver led the MLS in expected goals with 76.2 as a team, nearly 8 more goals expected than Inter Miami CF (67.7). Brian White led the club in scoring last season with 16 goals and he will look to improve upon that as Muller will play a full season with him. A couple of departures include Ali Ahmed, a midfielder who now plays for Norwich City, and Jayden Nelson, an attacker who was traded to Austin FC. These don’t include their top scorer, so look for them to continue to improve as a club.
MLS BETS TO MAKE
Inter Miami Eastern Conference Winner (Regular Season Only) +120
Definitely the heavy favorite in this category, I just don’t see any club in the Eastern Conference anywhere near them. This is a bet that could be added to a futures parlay. Set it and forget it. Let one of the greatest soccer legends of all-time do the work for you.
Vancouver Whitecaps to Win the MLS Cup (+900)
When you add in the playoffs to the equation, I think this is where we can see some chaos. Vancouver was so strong last season and, although they lost midfielder Ahmed to Norwich City, they should still be able to put up strong scoring numbers. Ride this team through the playoffs and hopefully they make it to the Western Conference semifinals where you can hedge for profit accordingly.
