Apple has felt Lionel Messi’s impact on Major League Soccer.
Speaking at the Miami-based Soccerex conference on November 14th, Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue told the Miami Herald just how big the effect Messi has had on Apple TV’s viewership: “More than 1 million people watched Messi’s games live, regular season and Leagues Cup games, which is amazing when you compare it to other sports, leaving out NFL and college football.”
This information comes months after Messi joined Inter Miami.
After weeks of speculation that he could return to Barcelona, the Argentine shocked many when he announced his intentions to play for Inter Miami in MLS.
The attacker would eventually sign with the South Florida club on July 15th, to much fanfare. His first year with the Herons was successful, leading the team to its first trophy in club history, clinching the Leagues Cup title on August 19th.
Although the Herons would miss out on the post-season, reports suggest Miami will revamp its roster to challenge for more silverware next year.
With Messi spearheading Inter Miami’s new era, the sky is the limit for the men dressed in pink.
The Messi Effect
2024 will be a year of change for the Herons.
This season ended on a sour note for the David Beckham-owned team, who missed out on the playoffs despite the club’s summer trophy triumph.
Heading into 2024, Inter Miami wants to fix the issues that plagued them in the latter half of the year.
Several reports claim that Luis Suárez could be on his way to Fort Lauderdale at the end of the season to reunite with Messi. Additionally, head coach Tata Martino hinted at a change of tactics that will get the most out of the personnel Miami has available.
Whatever happens with Inter Miami over the next month and a half, expect the team to improve upon this season’s form.