MLS Season Pass sets new viewership record highs with Messi's debut

MLS Season Pass

Apple now holds the MLS Season Pass record for the top three most-watched matches, almost certainly due to Major League Soccer's acquisition of Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi.

On Thursday, Apple announced that it had set a new record for MLS Season Pass viewership for the week of July 19 through July 26.

"[Apple had] the 3 most-watched matches ever on MLS Season Pass, with viewers in almost 100 countries and regions around the world," Apple's Tom Neumayr said. "And the fans for those matches were roughly split between the MLS Season Pass English and Spanish language broadcasts."

While Apple doesn't disclose viewership numbers, it's still an impressive record to set in the first year of the 10-year contract.

Similarly, Apple hasn't disclosed how many subscribers have signed up for an MLS Season Pass. However, it was recently suspected that the MLS Season Pass had nearly one million paid subscribers worldwide — before Messi was signed to the league.

Apple was considered instrumental in getting Messi signed to Inter Miami. He played his first game on Friday, July 21, when he secured the win for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul.

In 2022, Messi led Argentina to its first World Cup victory in 35 years. He scored seven goals during the tournament and over 800 during his career, the most by a player for a single team.

Apple holds exclusive rights to stream the 2023 Major League Soccer, which means you can only watch the game with the MLS Season Pass.

The MLS Season Pass is available for $14.99 per month or $99 per season. Apple TV+ subscribers get a slight discount at $12.99 per month or $79 for the season. Season Ticket Holders will get one free access pass to the MLS Season Pass.