On October 25, 2024, soccer enthusiasts around the globe are in for a treat as Lionel Messi makes his much-anticipated debut in the MLS Cup Playoffs. This landmark event will be available for free streaming on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, ensuring that fans everywhere can witness this historic moment. The first round of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs will feature a thrilling matchup between Inter Miami CF, led by the legendary Messi, and Atlanta United FC, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
For those unfamiliar with the significance of this event, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Having joined Inter Miami CF last season, he has already led the team to remarkable achievements, including winning the Supporters’ Shield and setting a new record for single-season points. This playoff debut is another opportunity for Messi to add to his impressive tally of 46 trophies, aiming for a 47th career win.
The match’s broadcast on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV offers viewers an extensive range of options to enjoy the game. Fans can access the live stream through multiple platforms, including the Apple TV app on various Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming gadgets, set-top boxes, and game consoles. Additionally, the game can be watched online at tv.apple.com.
The playoffs are not just a showcase of Messi’s talents. They feature top-ranked teams, including Columbus Crew, the defending MLS Cup and Leagues Cup champions, and Los Angeles FC, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titleholders. These teams, along with others, are competing for the prestigious 29th MLS Cup. Notably, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is the exclusive platform where fans can watch every playoff match without any blackout restrictions, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 7.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, expressed excitement about offering this match to a worldwide audience at no cost, celebrating both the season’s success and Messi’s first-ever playoff appearance in the MLS. Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner, highlighted the innovative partnership between MLS and Apple, which has broadened the league’s global reach. Making the opening playoff match freely accessible exemplifies their commitment to connecting with fans around the world.
Taylor Twellman, MLS Season Pass’s lead analyst, noted the potential for rewriting history with this year’s playoffs. Inter Miami’s accomplishments, such as securing the Supporters’ Shield and breaking the single-season points record, add to the anticipation. With Messi in the lineup, the playoffs are poised to capture unparalleled attention as teams aim to dethrone him from his legendary status.
Spanish-language play-by-play announcer Sammy Sadovnik emphasized the significance of the playoffs following a riveting regular season. Miami’s success hinges on maintaining their consistent performance and leveraging Messi’s exceptional skills.
More Ways to Watch
Beyond streaming on MLS Season Pass, the match will also be available live on apple.com and at Apple Store locations worldwide. Fans visiting Apple stores in major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as locations in countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Mexico, can experience the live broadcast.
Moreover, TikTok users can enjoy a special "Player Spotlight: Messi" presentation, where the camera will focus on Messi throughout the game. This unique stream will be available on the @MLS and @InterMiamiCF TikTok profiles, starting five minutes before kickoff. This marks TikTok’s first full live soccer match stream with a single-player focus. Fans can register on TikTok to access the live event.
For those with DIRECTV, residential satellite customers can watch the match on channel 622, while DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS customers can tune in on channel 9475 without any additional cost.
Round One Best-of-3 Series: Game One Schedule
Here’s a rundown of the first round’s game one schedule:
- Friday, October 25: Inter Miami CF vs. Atlanta United FC, 8:30 p.m. EDT
- Saturday, October 26: LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids, 11 p.m. EDT
- Sunday, October 27:
- Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m. EDT
- LAFC vs. TBD (winner of Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers wild card match), 9:45 p.m. EDT
- Monday, October 28:
- FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC, 6:45 p.m. EDT
- Seattle Sounders FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC, 9 p.m. EDT
- Tuesday, October 29:
- Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls, 6:45 p.m. EDT
- Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United FC, 9 p.m. EDT
How to Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
MLS Season Pass will broadcast all postseason matches, including the MLS Cup final, presented by Audi. Fans can access this service through the Apple TV app on various Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles. Additionally, the matches can be viewed online at tv.apple.com. For those with the Apple Vision Pro, MLS Season Pass can be accessed to watch games in an immersive environment with Spatial Audio, enhancing the viewing experience.
Follow the MLS Cup Playoffs with the Apple Sports App
The Apple Sports app for iPhone is a valuable tool for fans to stay updated on scores, stats, standings, and their favorite clubs throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs. The app allows users to navigate between scores and upcoming games, explore detailed play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, and even live betting odds. Additionally, fans can tap to watch matches on MLS Season Pass in the Apple TV app. The Apple Sports app syncs seamlessly with favorites selected in the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. With the latest iOS 18 and watchOS 11 updates, the app now offers Live Activities, delivering live scores and play-by-play info directly to a user’s iPhone and Apple Watch lock screens.
For more details about the MLS Cup Playoffs and how to watch, visit Apple’s official newsroom: https://www.apple.com/newsroom
This historic debut of Messi in the MLS Cup Playoffs promises to be an extraordinary event, offering fans worldwide the opportunity to witness soccer greatness in action. Whether you’re tuning in via Apple TV, TikTok, or DIRECTV, the excitement is set to unfold on a global stage.
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