In the blink of an eye, we're all nearing the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. There have been plenty of surprises, but several teams have also showcased to everyone that they're going to be major contenders the rest of the way. With that said, Inter Miami is a small favorite to win the MLS Cup with playoffs near.
Will the Eastern Conference powerhouse be able to get the job done? That's what a lot of fans are hoping, especially with Lionel Messi healthy and ready to go. He's of course not the only standout for Miami, with Luis Suarez still a big threat to score. Miami is a fun team to watch, but they're yet to win it all. The hope is that Messi can help the franchise get over the hump, but the defense must improve.
| MLS Cup odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami to win | +500 | +500 | +500 |
| Vancouver to win | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| San Diego to win | +700 | +700 | +700 |
| LAFC to win | +750 | +750 | +750 |
“The talk all season has been on the topic of our defense, but the way I see it, the other day we did not defend poorly as a team,” manager Javier Masherano said in a recent interview. “We had 15 minutes where we lost our focus and composure, and they generated two or three chances. I saw the goal they scored as more of an accident, rather than poor defending."
According to the best sports betting sites, Inter Miami holds +500 MLS playoffs betting odds to win the MLS Cup this season. As you could have imagined, there are several other teams who remain in the hunt too. Soon enough, we'll reach the playoffs and some upsets should be on the way. Despite that, we still think Miami will finally capture the glory - we're going with Messi and Co. as our pick.
A look back to the last time Lionel Messi played in India 🔙⭐️
Today, the World Champion announced he is returning to India after 14 years with his G.O.A.T Tour this December, visiting Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi 🇮🇳🙌 pic.twitter.com/Z8FKWvEUHH
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) October 2, 2025
The MLS Cup is Inter Miami's last hope to win a trophy this season
It might add a little bit more pressure to the team, but keep in mind too that the MLS Cup is Inter Miami's last hope to win a trophy this season. That's because Miami suffered a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Fire this week, which means they're officially out of contention to once again win the Supporter's Shield. Now, the club must go all-in for the MLS Cup, which is of course most important.
“I apologized to the players at halftime for not helping them with my game plan,” Mascherano said. “Things improved in the second half, we were able to tie it up, and felt the euphoria of being back in the game. But then came the 4-3 goal that was very fortuitous for them, with many rebounds and it just didn’t go our way. And the 5-3 closed the game.”
Luis Suárez with the tough finish 💪
Inter Miami are within striking distance early in the second half.
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/Abeo53fhH8
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 1, 2025
Looking to get in on the betting action as well? With the MLS postseason around the corner and set to start in late October, there's no better time than now for sports enthusiasts to check the soccer betting sites for the latest odds. There are so many special bonus codes and promotions via the top sportsbooks that people would be wise to check out as well.
As for the action back on the pitch, this truly is the last chance for Miami to win a title this year and there's extra meaning since Jordi Alba, Suarez, Messi and Sergio Busquets won't be playing together again next season. With that being the case, winning the MLS Cup will be incredibly special for all four of those players. Luckily, we think Inter Miami will get things done there.
Vancouver, San Diego and LAFC are viewed as Inter Miami's main MLS Cup threats
Things aren't going to be simple for Messi, however, as Vancouver, San Diego and LAFC are viewed as Inter Miami's main MLS Cup threats. All three of those teams have looked brilliant this year and they're going to want to make a ton of noise in the playoffs. What works in Miami's favor here is that those clubs are in the Western Conference.
As of this writing, San Diego FC and Vancouver are tied for first place in the Western Conference with 57 points. However, LAFC is right behind them with 53 points. There's going to be a tough task for someone to come out of that side of the bracket, as all three have what it takes to reach the final round and battle for the MLS Cup.
That's something Miami doesn't have to worry about for now, as the team's main competition in the Eastern conference is going to be the Philadelphia Union. Philly is loaded with a ton of talent too both on offense and defense. Should Philly and Inter Miami meet in the Eastern Conference Finals, it sure would be intriguing for everyone to watch.
