Excitement is in the air as Lionel Messi, the esteemed football player, gears up to make his debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami. Apple TV has secured exclusive streaming rights for MLS with its MLS Season Pass, running until 2023, and fans around the world are eager to witness Messi’s first match. Here’s how you can catch the action and enjoy the thrilling gameplay.
To watch all MLS games, including Messi’s matches, you can subscribe to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. The app is available on various platforms such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, and more. Even Android and PC users can join in the excitement by accessing the web browser version at tv.apple.com.
Messi’s debut in the MLS will take place on Friday, July 21. With an MLS Season Pass subscription, you can follow Messi’s journey throughout the league with the option of English and Spanish commentary.
The first game features Messi competing in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, which will be accessible through the MLS Season Pass paywall and, thus, requires a subscription. Some future games may be available without the paywall, following the standard schedule.
Apple and MLS production have gone the extra mile to ensure top-quality broadcasts of Messi’s games. The coverage will include an impressive array of features such as eighteen camera angles, Steadicam shots, super slow-mo replays, drone shots, and more, enhancing the overall viewing experience for fans.
Lionel Messi’s addition to the MLS is expected to draw a massive influx of new viewers, prompting Apple to offer additional incentives to sweeten the deal for Inter Miami. In addition to his substantial salary and other perks, Messi will also receive a percentage of the revenue from new MLS Season Pass subscriptions through Apple. This unique arrangement marks a first for a sports league.
In anticipation of Messi’s highly-anticipated arrival, Apple has ramped up its marketing efforts, even commissioning a massive stadium mural that boldly states, “The 🐐 now on Apple TV.” Furthermore, Apple TV+ will soon be home to a four-part docuseries chronicling the incredible journey of Messi’s career.
The hope is that Messi’s star power will elevate audience viewership for MLS to unprecedented heights, benefiting both the league and Apple. Moreover, the timing aligns perfectly as the US is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, further adding to the excitement and potential growth of soccer’s popularity in the country. So, get your MLS Season Pass, sit back, and enjoy the spectacle as Lionel Messi lights up the MLS with his exceptional skills and talent!