Photo by Tareq Ismail on Unsplash

Major League Soccer has enjoyed unprecedented attention since Lionel Messi joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami in July 2023. However, it was Columbus Crew who won the MLS Cup, FC Cincinnati who won the Supporters’ Shield, and Luciano Acosta who scooped the MVP award.

Season 2024 looks set to be as action-packed as ever, with a host of clubs chasing the title. Most online bookmakers place Inter Miami as the favorite with good reason as you will discover. However, with a wide selection of traditional and crypto betting sites offering a variety of markets, there is a lot of value to be had. 

This article will explore what we can expect for the season ahead, and which players to look out for.

Columbus Crew Look to Defend Their Title

Despite Columbus Crew clinching their third MLS Cup victory with a 2-1 win over Los Angeles FC, they are the bookmakers’ third favorite to defend their title this year.

The team remains relatively settled and the loss of Julian Gressel, Kevin Molino, and Josh Williams won’t upset too many. The acquisitions of Marino Hinestroza and Derrick Jones look to be squad signings, but coach Wilfried Nancy has the tactical nous to get the most from his squad.

FC Cincinnati’s Chances Following Last Season’s Supporters’ Shield Triumph

After the best regular season finish secured FC Cincinnati the Supporters’ Shield and Luciano Acosta winning the league’s MVP, FC Cincinnati fans should feel confident for the 2024 season.

Despite all this going in their favor, they are still seen as 14/1 fourth favorites according to many betting sites. The addition of Miles Robinson at the back and the attacking flair of Luca Orellano on loan from Vasco de Gama could give them that little bit extra this year.

Can Messi Reign Supreme at Inter Miami?

Inter Miami CF is the 3/1 favorite for the MLS Cup and the 6/5 favorite for the Supporters Shield. This should come as no surprise to those who have been following the team’s development as they now boast a roster bursting with world-class talent.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba should be enough to strike fear into any MLS team. With significant squad investment, David Beckham will be hoping his Inter Miami team delivers on the pitch.

The experienced Argentine coach Gerardo Martino will continue his high press and attacking football with some of the greatest players in the modern game at his disposal.

Messi and Suarez are the favorites among bookmakers to end the season as top scorers, and with that kind of firepower, it will be hard to bet against them.

The Rest of the Pack

The second favorite for the MLS Cup this year is last season’s beaten finalists Los Angeles FC. The signing of experienced French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from Tottenham Hotspur signals their intent, but the loss of Chiellini from the playing staff will be felt.

The potential loss of Carlos Vela will have the biggest impact on Los Angeles FC, but there is still some hope that the talented attacker will re-sign.

New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union are seen as relative outsiders at around 16/1. New York’s installation of German Head coach Sandro Schwarz and the exciting addition of Swedish attacking midfielder Emil Forsberg could turn things around for a club that never seemed to click into gear last year.

The MLS is braced for a big season, and sports fans around the world will be hoping Messi and Co can deliver.

Philadelphia Union is going into the 2024 season with a tried and tested method by re-signing Alejandro Bedoya and Kai Wagner. The team has been solid for years now, and continue into this new year without unsettling things.