“Messi Mania” shocks Tim Cook. Apple CEO shocked with fanfare & viewership following Argentine’s entry in MLS!
Since Lionel Messi arrived, more people have watched MLS matches on Apple TV.
The 2022 World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, created headlines last year when he joined Inter Miami rather than Barcelona or Saudi Arabia. Since then, both ticket sales and viewership for Major League Soccer have significantly increased. Along with Messi’s arrival, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets relocated to Miami in the previous year. Luis Suarez, meanwhile, reunited with his old Barcelona colleagues in December.
Praising the action, Eddy Cue, who oversees Apple TV’s partnership with MLS, advised teams to emulate Inter Miami’s approach by acquiring elite players. Following Miami’s 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, Cue disclosed that Messi’s arrival had resulted in a rise in memberships from North America, South America, and Europe.
The fact that certain teams are undoubtedly working hard excites me. Inter Miami’s actions serve as an obvious illustration of that, and he stated, “I think more teams should and will do that.”
“Well, at least I’ve witnessed it enough now that there’s a certain amount of enthusiasm… when anyone asks what do I want from anybody, any of the teams, I’m like, sign a few more players!”
The arrival of Messi provided MLS with its much-needed worldwide tag. “Season passes are up, our total ticket sales are up, our sponsorship revenue is up, social media and press coverage is up,” stated Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber. All of it is helping the league gain international exposure.”
Cue added that he hadn’t anticipated Messi’s transfer to have such a significant effect. “I was taken aback. I was unaware of it as I knew it would have an impact but assumed it would take some time. He simply made a big difference very quickly from both the American and worldwide perspectives,” he remarked.
“So, no, I wasn’t aware of the influence and scope that he had… it’s incredible to see,” he continued.
Apple and Major League Soccer (MLS) reached a major deal in 2022 that permits Apple to provide worldwide broadcasting of all league games for ten years in return for at least $250 million annually.
According to reports, Messi has been offered a portion of the earnings from new customers who sign up for the MLS Season Pass streaming platform on Apple TV by MLS and Apple. A four-episode documentary series on Messi was additionally launched by Apple TV, which will highlight his World Cup accomplishments.
