Apple Executive Inspired by Lionel Messi Impact Calls for MLS Teams to Embrace Similar Strategies
Lionel Messi’s Arrival Boosts Apple TV Viewership for MLS Matches according to reports from HT sports desk.
Since Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami last year, MLS has experienced a significant boost in both viewership and ticket sales.
The 2022 World Cup winner’s decision to join MLS instead of Barcelona or Saudi Arabia made headlines, and the trend continued with the moves of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to Miami, followed by Luis Suarez reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates in December.
Eddy Cue’s perspective on the effect of the capture of the Argentine Talisman
Applauding the decision, Eddy Cue, head of Apple TV’s partnership with MLS, encourages other clubs to adopt Inter Miami’s strategy of signing top stars.
Following Miami’s 2-0 victory against Real Salt Lake, Cue disclosed that Messi’s arrival had led to a surge in subscriptions from Europa, South America, and North America.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Eddy Cue remarked, “I’m excited that there are teams that are definitely pushing hard.
Obviously, what Inter Miami has done is an example of that, and I think there needs to be more teams doing that, and I think there will be.
At least I’ve seen it enough now that there’s a level of excitement… when anybody asks what do I want from anybody, any of the teams, I’m like, sign some more players!”
Messi’s arrival has provided MLS with a much-needed global appeal. MLS commissioner Don Garber noted, “Season tickets are up, our overall ticket sales are up, our sponsorship is up, social media, and our media coverage is up. All of that is bringing global recognition to the league.”
Eddy Cue expressed his surprise at the swift and substantial impact of Lionel Messi’s transfer. “I was shocked.
I had no idea because I knew it would make a difference, but I thought it would take time.
He just moved the needle really fast on a global perspective and the U.S. perspective,” he mentioned. “So, no, I did not appreciate the power and the reach that he had… it’s amazing to see.”
In 2022, Apple and MLS entered a significant agreement, allowing Apple to globally stream all league matches for 10 years in exchange for a minimum of $250 million per season.
Reportedly, MLS and Apple have offered Messi a share of profits from new subscribers to the MLS Season Pass streaming service on Apple TV. Simultaneously, Apple TV launched a four-episode documentary series on Messi, highlighting his World Cup journey.
