Messi's Arrival: Revolutionizing How Fans Experience the Game
The arrival of Messi at Inter Miami has not only revolutionized football on the field but also reshaped how fans experience the game, transforming streaming platforms into cultural epicenters. As Messi's magic continues to captivate, the partnership between football, marketing genius, and technology showcases the extraordinary growth potential within the sports industry.
Unleashing Messi's Power: A Surge in Sales and Streaming
MLS, through its ingenious efforts to capture Messi's star power, has unleashed an unexpected firestorm. Adidas recently acknowledged facing an unforeseen challenge as unprecedented demand for Leo's jersey hit them like a meteor. Now, another heavyweight in the industry, Apple, has hopped onto the Messi bandwagon, reaping the rewards of having the player who dominated football for two decades under their umbrella.
"The Messi Effect is Real! MLS Season Pass subscribers on Apple TV have doubled since Messi joined Inter Miami. And the Spanish-language audience for MLS Season Pass broadcasts on Apple TV has increased by over 50% for Messi's matches, with the momentum still growing. Incredible news for global fans everywhere!" declared Jorge Mas on his Twitter account. Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami alongside Beckham, played a pivotal role in luring the football icon to the club.
The Phenomenon of Messi's Arrival
Although Messi's arrival at Inter Miami took place just a month ago, its impact has already reverberated far and wide. In just three matches, the Argentine magician has netted five goals, igniting immense interest in witnessing his prowess. The excitement surrounding Messi's move has elevated the profile of the Herons, and the club is now competing in three competitions.
Apple TV holds exclusive rights to broadcast the MLS, while the Leagues Cup is primarily streamed through the platform, supplemented by some matches broadcast on the Mexican channel Univisión due to the participation of Mexican teams. The US Open Cup, which will see Inter Miami face Cincinnati in the semifinals on August 23rd, can be watched in Argentina via the TyC Sports channel, which acquired the rights to retransmit the match.
The Messi Impact: Redefining Fan Experience
Accessing the MLS Season Pass entails various avenues, considering that certain users, such as PlayStation owners, enjoy additional benefits. Currently priced at $99 for the entire season or $15 per month, the pass offers broadcasts in both English and Spanish.
Impressive Fact: Apple TV had around 1 million subscribers before Messi's arrival. Taking Mas's statement into account, that figure should now be hovering around 2 million.
It's worth noting that Adidas, enjoying a historic partnership with Messi, has been a sponsor of the MLS since 1996. The sports apparel giant exclusively designs uniforms for all participating franchises.
As part of a renewed long-term agreement, Adidas retains its status as the official sponsor, footwear provider, and sportswear provider for the MLS. The brand also becomes the presenting partner of the MLS NEXT Golden Ball (Most Valuable Player) and the MLS NEXT Best XI. The brand will continue to outfit MLS clubs with jerseys, footwear, training gear, and overall equipment, and will supply the official ball for all MLS properties, including MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT.