2023 MLS Cup Odds: Lionel Messi Joins Inter Miami Then Bettors Go Bonkers
He’s the most celebrated Lionel since Richie and he’s already much wealthier and more famous than the legendary singer-songwriter.
And now? It’s Messi time in Miami.
The world’s biggest soccer star and arguably the G.O.A.T is coming to America to play for a struggling MLS squad thanks to another soccer god who made it big in the U.S.: David Beckham.
Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory last December, turned down a reported three-year $1.6 billion – not a typo – deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and also spurned a possible return to his former club Barcelona.
When Messi arrives and puts ink to paper it will be the biggest signing in the 27-year history of the MLS, even bigger than when Beckham joined the L.A. Galaxy in 2007.
What does it all mean and when will Messi arrive in the Sunshine State and begin to play? ESPN.com has a great breakdown here.
How will Messi fare when he takes the field with the Hurons?
Who knows but plenty of gamblers think that Messi is somehow going to revive Inter Miami.
The Hurons, who are currently 15th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and the third-worst team in MLS, points-wise, overall, have plenty of backers following the majorly shocking Messi news.
How big of a seismic shift has it been for bookmakers? On Tuesday (June 6), Inter Miami’s odds to win this year’s MLS Cup were as high as +17500 (bet $100 to win a cool $17,500).
Today (Thursday, June 8), as of this writing they’re all the way down to …
Well, let’s look at the latest 2024 MLS Cup odds courtesy of FanDuel, one of our favorite gambling sites out there, along with BetMGM, DraftKings, and many more.
2024 MLS Cup Winner
Los Angeles FC +380
FC Cincinnati +470
Nashville SC +650
Philadelphia Union +750
New England +1600
Atlanta Utd FC +2200
St Louis City SC +2200
Seattle Sounders +2200
Inter Miami CF +2500
Orlando City +2900
San Jose Earthquakes +3400
FC Dallas +3400
DC United +4200
Columbus +4200
Austin FC +5000
Minnesota Utd +6500
New York Red Bulls +6500
Toronto FC +6500
New York City FC +6500
Houston Dynamo +6500
Kansas City +8500
Charlotte FC +8500
Portland Timbers +8500
LA Galaxy +10000
CF Montreal +10000
Real Salt Lake +10000
Vancouver Whitecaps +10000
Colorado +17000
Chicago Fire +17000
From +17500 to +2500?!
That’s crazy.
Just as it is with Inter Miami ticket prices which have soared an incredible 1,000% since the news broke – even though Leo hasn’t officially closed the deal yet and nobody is sure when he’ll play.
So, yes, Messi mania has arrived and the excitement and hype is only going to build and it’s great and all, but … don’t get caught up in the idea that Messi will turn Inter Miami around by himself.
The Hurons did make the playoffs last season but lost 3-0 in the first round to New York City FC.
Inter Miami’s interim coach Javier Morales, a fellow Argentine, has provided a spark. The Hurons advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history by defeating Birmingham Legion FC 0-1 on the road at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. on Wednesday night.
That’s a solid sign.
However, remember, as good as Messi was in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup – and he was fantastic, winning his second Golden Ball award – the soccer stud is aging. He’ll turn 36 on June 24 and he’s definitely slowing down. He’s still incredible in bursts and he’ll energize the Hurons and their fanbase.
He’ll be bigger than Beckham, more important than Pelé.
But don’t be silly and throw caution and money to the Miami wind by wagering on Inter Miami to win this year’s MLS Cup – but many Messi fanatics have said F it.
Fine.
My advice though? Buy your kid or another loved one a Messi jersey or some sort of merch. They’ll have something to treasure down the road instead of a lousy, losing ticket.
