CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP
Which team is the favourite to win the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup? Inter Miami, Club América, Monterrey…
The “Lionel Messi effect” means the pressure is on The Herons but they face stiff competition from Liga MX’s big guns.
The quarter-finals of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup get underway on Tuesday, with a pair of MLS vs Liga MX battles (New England Revolution against Club América and Columbus Crew against Tigres). The third such match-up is arguably the tie of the round of Wednesday, as Inter Miami host Monterrey at Chase Stadium.
Will Lionel Messi be fit to play for Inter Miami against Monterrey?
Lionel Messi, Luis Súarez and Co will face what is undoubtedly one of Mexico’s top teams and will likely have to be at their best to get a positive result. While there is still some doubt as to whether Messi will be fit to play, The Herons will be looking to make the most of home advantage in the first leg, whether the Argentine is involved or not.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s team are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy despite fierce competition.
América are the reigning Liga MX champions and are joint leaders of the Clausura 2024 tournament along with Monterrey, while Tigres have consistently been one of the leading Mexican clubs in recent seasons. Pachuca are the third most successful club in the history of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and fellow Americans Columbus Crew were the best team in the US in 2023, winning the MLS Cup.
2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup odds: Inter Miami lead the way
According to sports betting company DraftKings, Inter Miami are +275 to win the tournament as of Monday 1 April. América are second favourites (+400), followed by Rayados (+500), with Tigres and Pachuca marginally less fancied (+550).
The three teams with the least chance of winning the first edition of the revamped CONCACAF Champions Cup are, according to DraftKings, Columbus Crew (+650), New England Revolution (+2000) and Costa Rican side Herediano (+2500).
The “Messi effect” works in many different ways, and one of them comes in the form of pressure. Las Garzas have made no secret that winning the tournament is their top priority, but will they have to do it, or at least some of it, without their talisman?