Lionel Messi impact on Apple before MLS debut clear after CEO's admission

11 August 2023 , 12:24

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Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has made a significant impact on MLS and Apple (Image: GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images)

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has provided insight into the effect Lionel Messi’s transfer has had on Apple.

Messi completed the blockbuster transfer to Miami in July on a free transfer. The Argentina legend left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent after the expiration of his contract and opted to move to Florida.

Since then, Messi has scored seven goals in just four appearances for Miami. His most recent game was the dramatic win over FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup where Messi scored twice including a stoppage-time free-kick to send the tie to extra time.

While Messi is clearly having an impact on the pitch, it seems that off the field there have been noticeable changes. The latest, highlighted by Mas, include Apple, which has a $2.5 billion 10-year deal with MLS that began in 2023.

And Mas, who is co-owner of Miami alongside Manchester United legend David Beckham, has posted a tweet revealing details of the effect of Messi’s signing. Mas explained how MLS Season Pass subscribers on Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV, have increased in recent weeks.

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Mas tweeted: “The Messi Effect is real! Subscribers to #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV have more than doubled since Messi joined @InterMiamiCF.

“Also, Spanish language viewership on #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV has surpassed over 50% for Messi matches and continues to rise. How exciting for a truly global fan base!”

Mas’ tweet comes days after Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke about the effect Messi’s signing with Miami has had on the company.

Lionel Messi has scored seven goals in four games for Inter Miami (Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

Cook was speaking at Apple’s quarterly earnings call for the three months ending on July 1. The tech giant’s CEO went on to explain how Messi’s arrival to the United States has helped boost the partnership between Apple and MLS.

"We are excited about our MLS partnership, and we're thrilled to see Messi suiting up with Inter Miami,” on Aug. 5.

“It's clearly in the early days, but we are beating our expectation in terms of subscribers, and the fact that Messi went to Inter Miami helped us out there a bit – and so we're very excited about it."

Messi was expected to make his MLS debut against Charlotte FC on Aug. 21. However, that game has been postponed due to Miami’s involvement in the Leagues Cup, which sees the team take on Charlotte in the quarterfinal on Friday night.

As a result, Messi’s debut in MLS is likely to come against the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 26 in Harrison, New Jersey. His home debut DRV PNK Stadium could then come against Nashville SC on Aug. 30.

Mark Wakefield