Viewing Leo Messi's much-anticipated US debut is more affordable on the small screen than in the stadium, but it comes with costs. Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul of Mexico will be streamed on Apple TV, with a peak charge of $49 for Friday's soccer showcase.
The cost includes access to the MLS Season Pass - an Apple initiative packing in-season games and the current Leagues Cup. As the season draws to a close, Apple has halved the pass price. For Apple TV+ subscribers, the rate becomes $12.99 or $39 monthly. Non-subscribers have the alternative of a monthly purchase of $14.99 or a one-time payment of $49 until October when the season concludes.
Interestingly, Apple streams select matches free of charge weekly without subscription. Messi's team, however, is yet to be lined up. The ten-year deal set Apple back by $2.5 billion, as per the Financial Times. Games air with no blackouts internationally, facilitated by commentaries in both English and Spanish.
Apple is yet to reveal viewership data, but Eddy Cue, Apple's SVP of Services, admitted surprising positive projection over-runs in subscription and viewership figures. These numbers are boosted further with Messi's signing, argues David Rumsey, reporter for Front Office Sports. He opined that Apple got a bargain with the $250 million annual deal agreed upon last year; the price would have spiked if Messi’s arrival had happened earlier. Friday's match may quite probably draw the season's highest viewership.
The 36-year-old Messi's signing comes with some weight, being the recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or seven times and a World Cup victor with Argentina. His contract gives him an option for Miami club part-ownership and a share of new MLS Season Pass subscribers' revenue, report multiple sources.
Apple recently streamed a free unveiling event at Inter Miami’s stadium, presenting fans with their first glimpse of Messi. In a symbolic celebratory move, Apple has put up billboards around Miami featuring the goat emoji swathed in Inter Miami pink, with the promising slogan "now on Apple TV".
