As the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off, three brigades have surfaced as the front-runners for the MLS Cup. Inter Miami CF, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), and LA Galaxy.
Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami enters the season as the favorite to decide the MLS Cup, laying odds at 370. The platoon’s redoubtable lineup is headlined by global megastar Lionel Messi, who continues to make a significant impact in the league. Alongside Messi, seasoned stagers like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team. Under the guidance of new head trainer Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami is poised to contend for multiple glories this season, including the MLS Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Still, the platoon’s success will heavily depend on the fitness and performance of its aging stars throughout the challenging season.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)
LAFC stands as a strong contender with odds at 600. The platoon boasts a balanced canon featuring crucial players like Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, and Cristian Olivera in attack, supported by midfielders Odin Thiago Holm and Timmy Tillman. The defense is anchored by stagers similar to Aaron Long and Ryan Hollingshead, with Hugo Lloris furnishing leadership between the posts. Despite the departure of star bushwhacker Mateusz Bogusz to Cruz Azul, LAFC has bolstered its midfield by acquiring protective midfielder Igor Jesus and 2024 MLS Cup-winning midfielder Marky Delgado. With a mix of educated internationals and rising bents, LAFC aims to make upon its former successes and challenges for the title.
LA Galaxy
The defending titleholders, LA Galaxy, enter the season with odds at 850. The platoon is determined to defend its title and secure a record-extending sixth MLS Cup. Still, they face a significant challenge with the loss of star midfielder Riqui Puig, who’s anticipated to miss at least half the season due to a torn ACL sustained during the Western Conference Final. In Puig’s absence, the Galaxy will rely on other crucial players to step up and fill the creative void in midfield. The platoon’s adaptability and depth will be tested as they navigate the season without one of their vital playmakers. As the season unfolds, these three brigades are anticipated to be at the van of the battle for MLS supremacy, each bringing a unique mix of gift, experience, and ambition to the pitch.
