Lionel Messi, still a PSG player until June 30, will embark on a new football adventure outside of Europe. The Argentine star rejected a multi-million dollar offer from Saudi Arabia and, instead, opted for the American proposal. Messi will arrive in MLS to join Inter Miami, David Beckham’s team. But beyond the sports analysis that can be done around the signing, for us it is more interesting to talk about a surprise winner of all this movement: Apple.
What does Apple paint in the arrival of Messi to the MLS? Well, a lot, especially since those from Cupertino are betting very heavily on football. Whether with a stellar series like ted lassothe Real Madrid documentary, or their recent agreement to broadcast the North American tournament via streaming.
At the end of 2022, Apple and MLS partnered to create MLS Season Pass, a subscription service to watch the matches of said competition through AppleTV+. The agreement, which will also last for the next 10 years, contemplates offering it in more than 100 countries, which will help increase the exposure of the tournament exponentially.
Now, it cannot be denied that the MLS had little or no interest outside of the United States. At least that’s how it was until a few hours ago…
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami changes everything for the competition, but also for Apple. The footballer from Rosario has millions of followers all over the globe, many of whom, even after leaving FC Barcelona, continued to see him in his two seasons with PSG.
Therefore, we can now think that MLS will attract a considerable amount of new audience thanks to Messi. And if we consider that MLS Season Pass will be available within Apple TV +, the California company also wins.
According to information from The Athleticso fundamental was the signing of Messi by Inter Miami that Apple would have been involved, to a lesser or greater extent, in the work of convincing the Argentine star. Apple would have offered him a fraction of the revenue generated by MLS Season Pass.
“Multiple sources involved in, or briefed on, the high-level negotiations in the league (MLS), said earlier this week that MLS and Apple have discussed offering Messi a share of the revenue generated by new MLS Season Pass subscribers. , the league’s broadcast package on Apple TV+. Both sides see Messi’s possible involvement in Major League Soccer as a blessing.”
The Athletic.
It should be noted that the report was published yesterday, amid other news that took Messi’s transfer to Arab football for granted. However, on June 7, history took a turn and Messi will wear the Inter Miami uniform starting next season. It is clear, then, that Apple got what he wanted.
Another issue that cannot be left aside is that, just during this week, Apple and Messi agreed to make a documentary series about the player. The content will have a total of 4 episodes available exclusively on Apple TV +.
Thus, everything has been accommodated in favor of the interests of Apple, the MLS and, of course, Lionel Messi.