The Argentina legend will benefit through commercial tie-ins with several commercial giants including Apple through his contract with MLS and there are early signs of promise in this regard
Lionel Messi’s impact on the pitch for Inter Miami has clear since his arrival, but recent sales of Apple TV suggest that his commercial draw is not to be underestimated either.
The Argentine icon is one of the most valuable stars on the planet and his transfer to MLS has inspired an unprecedented reaction among the American general public. Not since David Beckham’s switch to LA Galaxy has a signing captured imaginations on such a widespread scale.
With tickets for away games versus the Herons in MLS having sold out within hours of the announcement of the 36-year-old’s impending move to the US and jerseys bearing his name sold old until October, Messi Mania is currently in full swing. Nobody could accuse the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner of not living up to his billing either, with supporters having been treated to five goals in just three games so far.
Unsurprisingly, his swashbuckling start to life for Inter Miami has convinced punters to sign up to watch the legendary in action on streaming service Apple TV in significant numbers. In fact, according to the CEO of the tech giants Tim Cook, the introduction of Messi to the leading US league has helped the company beat its targets in terms of subscribers already.