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The Leagues Cup, a tournament between the MLS and Liga MX clubs, begins this week with all eyes sure to be on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. The Argentinian star has proven to be a revelation during his short stint in the MLS, but can he carry his team all the way to another trophy? We are going to look at their chances, as well as talking about some of the other Leagues Cup favorites, so let’s get to it.
The New Leagues Cup Format
In the last 2 seasons, the tournament opened with groups of 3 teams, but this time around, the teams are split into their own leagues (MLS and Liga MX), although they do still play one another. The top teams in each of the respective leagues move on to the knockout phase, in a format that does seem a little convoluted. The games come thick and fast, so make sure you know the schedule if you plan on wagering on the Leagues Cup games.
What are the Current Leagues Cup Odds?
As you might expect, it is Inter Miami who sit atop the bookies board as the Leagues Cup favorites, but there are a few others who could certainly take a run at the cup. Here are the current top 5 teams and their expected odds to win the 2025 Leagues Cup:
- Inter Miami +800
- Columbus Crew +1000
- Club America +1100
- FC Cincinnati +1100
- Toluca +1100
Bet on Leagues Cup Top Matches provided by Xbet
Does One League Have an Edge Over the Other
If you look back at the previous two expanded versions of the Leagues Cup, you have to say that it is the MLS who has the edge, which is unsurprising for a couple of reasons. Every game in played in MLS stadiums, while the home teams are also in full swing in their season, while the Mexicans are just getting started with the Apertura. With the games coming so quickly fitness could be key, so the edge goes to the MLS. The last two finals have been contested by MLS teams, with Inter Miami and Columbus winning the cup.
Will Messi Lead Inter Miami to the Cup?
The bookies certainly seem to believe that he can do it, but it all starts with the 3 Phase 1 games that Inter Miami has to play. Let’s take a closer look at those teams and what their current form might suggest.
Inter Miami will open up their Phase 1 schedule on Wednesday night when they host Atlas, who are not off to the best start in the new Liga MX season. They are 1-1-1 through their opening 3 games, plus they have surrendered 8 goals in those outings. This team can score goals, netting 7 in 3 games, but that defense worries me, so the edge goes to Miami in this one.
It is a similar story in Game 2 for Miami, as it will be Necaxa that they will face. The Mexicans are off to a slow start, going 1-1-1 in their opening 3 games of the season, scoring 5 times and surrendering 5 during that run. This might be a tougher task but Inter should do just enough.
The final game of Phase 1 sees Miami take on Pumas, who have lost 2 of their opening 3 games of the season. If Miami can win their opening 2 games, they might be in a position where they can rest some of their aging stars. I think that could be the key to Messi and Miami going on a deep run and winning it all.
The Leagues Cup returns with a new format: 18 MLS vs 18 Liga MX teams. Messi leads Miami. América reloads. Columbus defends its crown. It all begins July 29.#LeaguesCup2025 pic.twitter.com/McChGBTbNJ
— 433futbol (@433futbol_) July 29, 2025
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