NEW YORK (Thursday, July 24, 2025) – After captivating millions of fans last season, TikTok, Major League Soccer (MLS), and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV are bringing back ‘Player Spotlight: Messi’ — a special live stream experience offering fans an all-Messi match view exclusively on TikTok LIVE.
Kicking off Saturday, August 2 at 7:10p ET, Player Spotlight: Messi returns for four select matches this season, starting with Inter Miami CF vs. Necaxa in the opening round of Leagues Cup, the official Concacaf-sanctioned tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer and LIGA MX. Fans around the world can tune in on the @MLS TikTok account, with simultaneous streams on @InterMiamiCF and @AppleTV.
The Player Spotlight stream features a dedicated camera focused on Lionel Messi throughout the match, delivering a unique, player-first viewing experience that brings fans closer to every moment of Messi magic.
Last season’s debut of Player Spotlight: Messi during Inter Miami CF’s playoff opener drew more than 6.4 million live views across @MLS and @InterMiamiCF, setting the record for the largest live audience for a U.S. sports event on TikTok.
“After the overwhelming success of Player Spotlight: Messi, which delivered our biggest-ever live U.S. sports audience on TikTok, we knew we had to bring it back,” said Rollo Goldstaub, Global Head of Sports Partnerships at TikTok. “This is about giving fans a front-row seat to greatness, in real time, only on TikTok. We’re excited to continue collaborating with MLS and Apple to create fan-first experiences that bring our community closer to the athletes they love.”
“The Player Spotlight: Messi is an excellent example of how Major League Soccer is pushing the boundaries of how fans experience the game,” said Seth Bacon, Executive Vice President, Media, Major League Soccer. “With this collaboration, we’re bringing fans even closer to one of the greatest players of all time — in a way that’s dynamic, immersive, and made for the next generation of fans. We’re proud to keep innovating with partners like Apple and TikTok to create unforgettable moments.”
Additional Player Spotlight: Messi match dates will be announced soon. Fans are encouraged to follow @MLS, @InterMiamiCF, and @AppleTV on TikTok to stay updated and never miss a moment.
