Lionel Messi’s playoff debut will stream free on Apple TV, plus giant Times Square screen

Apple’s partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) is about to have a landmark moment. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team just clinched a postseason spot, and Apple has plans to make the first Messi playoff match available to as big an audience as possible, on as big a screen as possible.

Watch Messi’s playoff debut free

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team will be playing their first playoff match on Friday, October 25. When that happens, it will be streamed for free to everyone via the Apple TV app. And soccer fans in New York will get a special Times Square treat.

Reuters reports:

Expecting massive fan interest, MLS announced Thursday that the opener will be livestreamed for free on Apple TV and aired as it happens on the gargantuan 25,000-square-foot video screen at Times Square in New York.

Live streaming on a 25,000 square foot display is a clever way for Apple to build awareness of MLS, and Messi’s starring role in the league.

If you’re not in New York, though, you’ll be able to watch the match for free too.

The Apple TV app, which is available on any supported smart TV or Apple device, will be the place to watch. All you’ll have to do October 25 is open the app and start watching. No subscription required.

When Messi first joined the MLS last year, he brought a significant level of extra awareness and credibility to American soccer. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup title but didn’t qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. That makes this year the first Messi playoff match.

Do you plan to watch the playoff match on October 25? Let us know in the comments.