Lionel Messi's MLS Cup Playoff debut for Inter Miami makes Apple TV record - Reports
Lionel Messi's MLS Cup playoff debut with Inter Miami was the most widely viewed sporting event in the history of Apple TV, the company has stated. The Herons edged past Atlanta United 2-1 to win their first MLS playoff game at the Chase Stadium on October 25.
The Argentine legend was at his usual best in the game, amassing a rating of 8.5 on Sofascore. Although Messi didn't score, he provided the assist to Jordi Alba for The Herons' second goal in the 60th minute. The Argentine also had five shots on target, with one more hitting the woodwork.
Lionel Messi might have found the back of the net if it weren't for Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan's outstanding performance. The American shot-stopper made a whopping nine saves in the game, five of which were from Messi's attempts.
(All stats above are taken from Sofascore on October 30, 2024. The website may change the data according to its prerogative.)
Apple, the official broadcaster of the MLS, claimed on Monday (reported by USA Today) that Inter Miami's clash against Atlanta United was the most viewed sporting event in the history of the site. However, they didn't reveal any viewership statistics.
The match was also streamed on the MLS and Inter Miami TikTok accounts via 'Messi Cam'—an exclusive vertical streaming experience focussing only on the Argentine superstar. As many as 150,000 viewers reportedly streamed the game via Messi Cam at a time on TikTok.
When Apple's Senior Vice President explained the impact of Inter Miami's Lionel Messi on Apple subscriptions
Apple's Senior Vice President Eddy Cue highlighted the impact of Lionel Messi's signing on Apple's subscriptions in an interview before the start of the season.
The broadcasting giants signed a 10-year deal worth $2.5 billion to stream MLS games on Apple TV in 2022. A year later, Lionel Messi left French outfit Paris Saint-Germain to join Inter Miami in a deal that made him the highest-paid player in the MLS.
Lionel Messi's contract will earn him $20.4 million in guaranteed compensation in 2024. It is part of a $150 million deal that also includes an ownership stake at the club when he retires. Messi's current contract will last until 2025, with an option to extend till 2026.
In a February 2024 interview, Eddy Cue highlighted the impact of Messi on Apple's subscription sales. He said (via USA Today):
“I won’t give you the exact number, but pre-Messi it was very U.S. dominant. Post-Messi, it changed materially. He had a significant number of subscribers from South America and Europe. So, it was a big change.”
Messi and Inter Miami return to action on November 2 to face Atlanta United again in the MLS Cup playoffs at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.