UEFA Champions League: Top Goalscorer betting odds - Messi favourite

Lionel Messi remains the bookmakers' favourite to finish the season as Champions League top goalscorer, for what would be the fourth consecutive year. The remarkable Argentine hit as many as twelve goals in the previous tournament and is already on five this time around, sharing the lead with Mario Gomez. As a guaranteed starter in the world's best team for some time, and as a player who never seems to lose his form, there is little standing between Messi and another Golden Boot, for which he is 5/6 with Paddy Power.

Next in the betting is Cristiano Ronaldo, available at 7/2 with Bet 365 and Sky Bet. Ronaldo is almost certainly the player who can claim to be closest to Messi in terms of ability right now, and he is only two goals behind him in the Champions League this season. His Real Madrid side should go a long way in the tournament, and he could well be an appealing alternative to the short-priced favourite.

 Mario Gomez is the only other player with single-figure odds, at 6/1 with Coral. One of Europe's most consistent marksmen for some years now, Gomez has started the tournament as well as ever. He will need to get the opportunities, however, if he is to outscore the leading pair, and his Bayern Munich side are something of an unknown quantity. Their 2-0 win over Manchester City, though, could suggest that they are in fact as strong as they appear to be on paper. 

Wayne Rooney is the Premier League's greatest hope of winning the Golden Boot, at 11/1 with Bet 365. Beaten finalists United will be desperate to go one better this season and have looked good so far, with Rooney scoring three goals along the way. The England striker is certain to play whenever he is available, the essential attribute of any potential top-scorer, and could look value to those fans who watch him every week.

Although he may not be Barcelona's main source of goals, David Villa is their main out-and-out striker, and is sure to finish the tournament with a respectable tally. He is available at 16/1 with Bet 365, who are also top price on Karim Benzema, offering 25/1. Benzema has only found the net twice so far, but could catch the market leaders with a couple of decent games in a free-scoring side. Also at 25/1 is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently on three goals, although his success will likely depend on that of his team.

Two of the more interesting long-shots are Sergio Aguero and Robin van Persie. Neither player has yet made their mark in Europe, but both have been in magnificent form in domestic competition and will undoubtedly have big parts to play this season. Aguero can be backed at 33/1 with William Hill, while van Persie is 40/1 with the same firm.

Barcelona are strong favourites to win the Champions League this season, at 15/8 with Sky Bet.

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