Starting August 2, 2025, fans worldwide will have a whole new way to follow Lionel Messi in action. Messi is back, and this time it’s bigger and more immersive than ever.
Photo Credit: Barca Worldwide
Major League Soccer (MLS), TikTok, and Apple TV have teamed up again to bring a dedicated live broadcast that follows Messi the entire match, offering a personal POV never before seen in football broadcasts. It all kicks off with Inter Miami vs. Necaxa in the Leagues Cup, and the stream will go live on TikTok for free, across @MLS, @InterMiamiCF, and @AppleTV accounts .
This format isn’t completely new. The previous season’s debut of Player Spotlight during the MLS playoffs drew over 6.4 million live views and set TikTok’s record for U.S. sports streaming .
Some early posts said Messi would wear a body‑camera, but official wording clarifies: it's not a tiny sensor attached to him directly, but rather a dedicated camera rigged to keep him in frame the entire time, delivering a player first perspective throughout the match .
Here’s what you need to know:
• Debut match: Inter Miami vs. Necaxa in the Leagues Cup on August 2, 2025, starting around 7:10 p.m. ET.
• Broadcast platform: Free on TikTok Live via @MLS, @InterMiamiCF, and @AppleTV accounts.
• What makes it special: A single, Messi focused camera tracks him continuously capturing every pass, movement, reaction, and moment of brilliance.
• Why it matters: Fans get an unprecedented and personal look at how one of the greatest players of all time operates on the field.
MLS and TikTok have confirmed this won’t be limited to a single game; a second phase will include four selected matches, with dates to be announced soon. So stay tuned if this format takes off again .