Apple TV+ said Monday it landed the “first and only behind-the-scenes account of soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s new chapter” with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF.
The as-of-yet untitled documentary series comes in addition to the other Messi documentary series coming to Apple TV+. That one covers the legend’s longstanding work with Argentina’s national team and his many FIFA World Cup appearances.
All Messi all the time: Apple TV+ adds documentary series about soccer star’s move to MLS
Both documentary series about the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC mainstay — he spent more than 20 years at those formidable football clubs before moving stateside — come from Smuggler Entertainment.
Messi also appeared in numerous World Cup tournaments for Argentina, including its 2022 victory in Qatar.
But it was Messi’s subsequent move to MLS club Inter Miami CF that “forever changed the face of soccer in North America,” Apple TV+ said in a press release. And his resulting appearance in Leagues Cup and MLS matches on Apple’s MLS Season Pass almost immediately triggered a doubling of subscriptions.
“I couldn’t be happier coming to Miami and joining such an amazing group of people and organization,” Messi said. “I’m joining with the desire to compete, win and help the club continue to grow. I also think we’re going to really enjoy ourselves, have a good time and that very special things are going to happen.
‘Messi Mania’
Now Apple plans to double down on Messi’s popularity with a new Apple TV+ documentary series about his move to the U.S. team. Here’s how Apple described the project:
With unprecedented access to Messi and his new Inter Miami CF family, this series takes viewers behind-the-scenes as the greatest player to ever step on the pitch attempts to lead his new team to a Leagues Cup title and beyond.
From selling out record crowds across America at breakneck speed, to his incredible last-minute game-winning goal in his very first match, to moments with Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates, the series chronicles Messi’s immersion in America, the remarkable journey and transformation of Inter Miami CF, and most significantly, the impact he is currently having on soccer in North America as “Messi Mania” crisscrosses the continent.
Emmy Award winner Tim Pastore (Free Solo, Jane) executive produced the series along with Emmy and Tony Award winners Patrick Milling Smith and Brian Carmody, Emmy Award winner Matt Renner (Free Solo, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth) and Scott Boggins (The Circus, 24/7).
Second Apple TV+ Messi docuseries covers international glory
Image: Apple
And here’s how the streaming service described its other untitled documentary series with Smuggler Entertainment, covering Messi’s considerable international glory:
In his own words, Messi tells the definitive story of his incredible career with the Argentina national football team, providing an intimate and unprecedented look at his quest for a legacy-defining World Cup victory.
This series provides rare and unique access before, during and after the monumental feat of becoming a legendary champion, from Qatar’s training grounds to the chaos of press junkets to the quiet contemplation of Messi’s private room, the series highlights a thrilling mash-up of the public and private worlds of the planet’s top living athlete as well as that of his loyal supporters across Argentina and those who made the pilgrimage to Qatar.
The series also features the most personal interviews to date with Messi, alongside conversations with teammates, coaches, competitors, devout fans and commentators testifying to the incredible influence and impact he has on a nation and world stage, along with the grace, fortitude and willpower he has exhibited throughout his career.
Watch Messi on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
MLS Season Pass costs $14.99 per month or $49 per season and is separate from the Apple TV+ streaming service. However, Apple TV+ subscribers save a little bit of cash. They can subscribe to MLS Season Pass for $12.99 per month or $39 per season.
Apple TV+ is available by subscription for $6.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate certain Apple devices can get take advantage of extended free trials of the service.
In addition to award-winning movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso), Apple TV+ offers a variety of sports documentaries, including Super League: The War for Football.
Source: Apple
