What is Messi Cam? MLS announces return of spotlight feature for star player

'Player Spotlight: Messi' Initiative will feature 4 Messi-centric broadcasts for 2025

Last updated: July 27, 2025 | 17:10

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF and Rodrigo de Paul, new Inter Miami CF signing smile on the bench during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

AFP

Dubai: Lionel Messi is always the spotlight, and since his move to Major League Soccer, the league has seen a significant surge in attention. To keep the momentum going, MLS has announced the return of the popular ‘Messi Cam’, a broadcast dedicated entirely to the Argentine legend, set to launch on August 2.

Named “Player Spotlight: Messi”, the initiative will feature four Messi-centric broadcasts throughout the 2025 season. These livestreams, available exclusively on TikTok and optimized for mobile viewing, will be enhanced with custom graphics and overlays for a unique fan experience.

Also Read: Lionel Messi will play 2026 World Cup, confirms Argentina FA

The ‘Messi Cam’ is part of MLS’s ongoing effort to keep the focus on the global icon, catering to the ever-growing demand from fans eager to follow his every move on the field. Through this initiative, MLS aims to bring fans even closer to Messi, partnering with TikTok and Apple TV to enhance fan engagement in a dynamic, next-gen way. “We’re excited to bring fans closer to one of the greatest players ever, and we’re thrilled to work with partners like Apple and TikTok to create these unforgettable moments,” said Seth Bacon, MLS Executive Vice-President of Media.

Also Read: Thrissur to the world: Kerala superfan’s Lionel Messi dream inches closer

The ‘Messi Cam’ was first introduced in October 2024 during Inter Miami’s playoff match against Atlanta United, quickly becoming a hit with more than 6.4 million views across TikTok platforms for MLS and Inter Miami. It also set a new benchmark, becoming the most-watched sporting event in Apple TV history.

On August 2, fans can tune in to see Messi in action once again during Inter Miami’s match against Mexican club Necaxa, a team co-owned by Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Mesut Ozil, and Eva Longoria. The dates for the other three Messi broadcasts will be revealed later.

This announcement comes as MLS continues to see a rise in viewership. Commissioner Don Garber shared that the average viewership per Apple Season Pass stream has increased by nearly 50 per cent in 2025, now reaching 120,000 unique viewers per match.

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.

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