MLS Top Goal Scorer Odds and Predictions: Messi Still the Heavy Favorite to Catalog the Most Goals

• Heading into the final MLS weekend, Messi possesses the edge in the Golden Boot race, looking to claim his first award in the competition

•  MLS has seen an abundance of goals from a variety of participants with 16 players who have garnered 15 or more  goals going into round 38

Checking into the Golden Boot race, the MLS is known for its parity and surprise results, dating back to 2012 we have witnessed 12 different players winning the prestigious personal award.  

After scoring 23 goals in 30 appearances during the regular season during the previous term, Christian Benteke clinched the MLS 2024 Golden Boot. The winner of the individual award is decided before the playoff season begins.  

Below we share our pick to win the 2025 MLS Cup, the latest trends, and other information to help you pick a winner this season.

MLS Top Goal Scorer 2025 - Odds

The odds have been taken from the bet365 sportsbook. Sign up for a bet365 account with our promo code WSN365 and claim your bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose.

MLS Top Goal Scorer Winner Predictions 

It’s no surprise all year long, Lionel Messi was the favorite to capture the scoring title in a Vice City kit. Since his arrival in Miami, considered as one of the best of all time is close to averaging a goal per game since joining the club in his earth shattering signing in 2023. During his 25 regular season appearances last year, the Argentinian legend has hit the back of the net on 20 occasions. With a healthy three-goal lead going into match day 38, Messi is poised to claim the honour as the league's top scorer in the 2025 term. 

Following Messi there are some long-shot quality candidates to claim the 2025 golden boot. Trailing Messi, Sam Surridge has been dangerous as the Nashville SC member has leapfrogged several of his competitors over the campaign to be in the conversation in the scoring leader chase, making a name for himself. Making an entrance into the final top three, Dennis Bouanga is carrying one of the hottest boots in MLS, with a lethal successful rate finding the back of the net including a hat-trick performance against the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake in the month of September. His 24 tallies has breached the keeper off 68 shots on target he has amassed after his 30 appearances.

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2025 MLS Golden Boot - My Pick 

Dennis Bouanga (+800) at bet365

The Los Angeles FC member is lurking around the Golden Boot chase, but might have run out time with one game remaining and sitting two goals behind Messi. With Nashville facing Inter Miami, we feel Bouanga has a puncher's chance to overtake Messi, with LAFC facing the Colorado Rapids. Clashing against a team who has conceded 54 goals, and has failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 straight contests, it could be an opportunity for Bounaga to get a few past the keeper on multiple occasions, as he is averaging 2.4 shots on target per match in 2025.

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How to Bet on the 2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer

Simple and easy, head over to your preferred online sportsbooks and navigate the MLS page. From there you will see a "Futures" tab, this is where you can wager on who you think will claim the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.

Before placing your wager, we recommend betting within your limit and do some homework on what's trending with team news and injuries to star players across the league.

How to Read the 2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer

Especially if you're new to sports betting, reading the indicated odds can be overwhelming and confusing or if you are used to using a decimal or fraction system.

It’s quite easy to get the hang of it after a few minutes on studying how the read odds. The American system is basic, it uses a model where the plus sign (+) indicates the team is the underdog while the minus sign (-) means they are the favorite. If you see a team with no minus sign then the team with the lowest plus sign is considered the favourites. Numbers are based on $100 bets for example -120 means you need to bet $120 to win $100. +120 means if you bet $100, you'll win $120

Where to Bet on the 2025 MLS Top Goal Scorer

In a growing industry, there is no shortage of companies to choose from when placing your MLS Golden Boot winner.

We like using bet365 sportsbook. New customers at bet365 who use our promo code during the registration WSN365 can claim: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose. While Bonus Bets can’t be withdrawn for cash, they give players a chance to boost their bankroll without spending more real money.

Another great alternative website to use is  Caesars Sportsbook. If you’d like to try Caesars, sign up with our promo code WSN20X and claim a “Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 20 Bets” offer. With easy registration and user-friendly interface, Caesars is one that stands out from the rest.

MLS Golden Boot History

Since 1996 there have been 25 different Golden Boot winners in MLS, with five players who have only won twice in league history. Preki with the Kansas City Wizards (1997,2003) now Sporting Kansas City, Taylor Twellman (2002,2005) of the New England Revolution, Jeff Cunningham (2006,2009) with Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas, Chris Wondolowski (2010,2012) with the San Jose Earthquakes and Bradley Wright-Phillips (2014,2016) with the New York Red Bulls are the multi Golden Boot winners.

Below is a list of the previous winners of the MLS Golden Boot in the last ten years.