Lionel Messi’s inaugural MLS playoff appearance is set to become one of the most viewed matches on Apple TV ever.

Messi’s Inter Miami is scheduled to face off against Atlanta United on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This match will kick off their best-of-three series in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The narratives surrounding this game are enticing: Atlanta is among the only four teams that have managed to defeat Inter Miami this season, and they drew with them 2-2 just last month. Additionally, Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, aims to clinch his second MLS Cup, having led Atlanta to victory during their first season in 2018.

And of course, we can’t forget Messi. The Argentine World Cup champion is not only a frontrunner for the MLS MVP award but also the biggest attraction in the sport.

“Lionel Messi wants nothing less than to dominate, and he’s got his teammates alongside him to achieve that,” remarked Apple TV’s Taylor Twellman during a press event on Wednesday. “I believe Atlanta has a tough battle ahead. [Interim coach] Rob Valentino is aware of this, and I think Miami is expecting to host the MLS Cup on December 7th.”

Where to Watch Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Live

The match will be available for free via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

It will also be streamed on Apple.com, displayed on a screen in Times Square, New York City, and presented in Apple stores globally, as announced by the company.

Additionally, TikTok will feature a ‘Messi cam’ that will focus exclusively on the Inter Miami superstar throughout the playoff game from the MLS and Inter Miami accounts.

“We’re committed to making this match the most broadly viewed event in MLS Season Pass history to reach the largest audience possible,” stated Emeka Ofodile, Apple’s Global Head of Sports Marketing.

Preview of Inter Miami in the Playoffs

Inter Miami enters the playoffs as the champions of the MLS Supporters’ Shield, achieving an all-time best record for the league with 74 points from 22 wins, eight draws, and four losses. Messi and Luis Suarez made history by being the first teammates in MLS to each score 20 goals in a single season.

“Tata Martino’s work with Atlanta United in 2017 and 2018 reshaped how expansion teams are viewed in Major League Soccer. Now, with Inter Miami, he’s changing what’s possible and illustrating how ambitious a team can be in MLS, setting a new points record with stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets,” said Jake Zivin, the lead play-by-play announcer for Apple TV.

“The atmosphere for Game 1 will be electric at Chase Stadium, and Game 2 promises to be extraordinary. There may even be a Game 3.”

Preview of Atlanta United in the Playoffs

Atlanta United secured a dramatic comeback victory, finishing 2-2 (5-4 in penalty kicks) against CF Montreal during the Eastern Conference Wild Card match on Tuesday, earning their chance to face Messi and Inter Miami.

They claimed the No. 9 seed with wins in their last two games and benefitted from DC United’s 3-0 defeat on Decision Day. Since Rob Valentino took over as interim coach in June, the team has recorded six wins, six draws, and six losses.

“When a team finds their rhythm late in the season, anything is possible. This Atlanta United team is entering at full speed,” Zivin explained. “They were in 12th place before Decision Day, and now they are about to face Messi. This matchup is incredibly intriguing. I’m excited for Friday night.”

Betting Odds for Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United

The current BETMGM moneyline odds are: Inter Miami (-210); Atlanta (+425); Draw at the end of regulation (+400). The over/under is pegged at 3.5 goals.