Apple TV has high hopes for Lionel Messi’s first MLS playoff game
Messi and Inter Miami will host Atlanta United on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET inside Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to begin their best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The storylines are juicy for this game: Atlanta is just one of four teams to beat Inter Miami this season, and played them to a 2-2 draw last month. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino will pursue his second MLS Cup title after helping Atlanta win during its inaugural season in 2018.
And of course, there’s Messi. The Argentine World Cup champion is a MLS MVP favorite and the biggest draw in the sport.
“Lionel Messi wants to beat your brains in, and he’s got his friends with him to do so,” Apple TV’s Taylor Twellman said during a press briefing on Wednesday. “I think Atlanta is up against it. [Interim coach] Rob Valentino knows that, and I think Miami expects to be hosting MLS Cup on December 7th.”
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United live stream
The match will available for free via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
It will be broadcast on Apple.com, in Times Square in New York City and at Apple stores around the world, the company announced.
“We’ll make this match the most widely distributed match in MLS Season Pass history, bringing this match to as many fans as possible around the globe.” said Emeka Ofodile, Apple Global Head of Sports Marketing.
Inter Miami playoff preview
Inter Miami enters the playoffs as MLS Supporters’ Shield champions. They produced the best record in MLS history, setting a new mark of 74 points from 22 wins, eight draws and four losses. Messi and Luis Suarez also became the first teammates in MLS history to each score 20 goals in a season.
“Tata Martino with Atlanta United in 2017 and 2018, they changed the perception of what an expansion team can be in Major League Soccer. Now, Tata Martino with Inter Miami is changing the perception of what a team can do and how ambitious a club can be in Major League Soccer, setting a new points record with Lionel Messi, with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and so many other talented players,” Apple TV lead play-by-play announcer Jake Zivin said.
“Game 1 is going to be rocking at Chase Stadium. Game 2 is going to be incredible. Maybe, a Game 3 as well.”
Atlanta United playoff preview
Atlanta endured a late comeback to win 2-2 (5-4 in penalty kicks) on the road against CF Montreal in the Eastern Conference wild card match on Tuesday for a shot against Messi and Inter Miami.
Atlanta United squeezed into the No. 9 seed with wins in its final two matches, and a 3-0 loss by DC United on Decision Day. The club has six wins, six draws and six losses since Rob Valentino was named interim coach in June.
“When a team gets hot at the end of the year, they can do anything. And this Atlanta United team, they’re going to be flying,” Zivin said. “They were in 12th place, entering Decision Day. And now, boom, they’re meeting Messi. I think it’s an extremely compelling matchup. I can’t wait for Friday night.”
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United betting odds
Here are the BETMGM moneyline odds: Inter Miami (-210); Atlanta (+425); Draw after regulation (+400). The over/under is set at 3.5 goals.
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