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    Messi Mania Marks New Era for MLS

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    PUBLISHED July 21, 2023 | 08:46 am
    • On Friday, Lionel Messi will make his MLS debut for Inter Miami CF against Cruz Azul.
    • Messi agreed to sign with MLS after a massive contract offer including a revenue-sharing deal with Apple, and equity in Inter Miami.
    On Instagram, Miami is now the fourth-most followed U.S. sports franchise, surpassing all NFL, MLB, and NHL teams.
    Major League Soccer via USA Today Sports

    The day has finally arrived. After 19 years of playing professionally in Europe, Lionel Messi is set to make his MLS debut tonight with Inter Miami CF. Dan Courtemanche, EVP of Communications at MLS, joins us to give an inside look at how Messi came to play in the States — as well as MLS’ streaming deal with Apple and Messi’s impact on viewership.

    We’ve also got newsletter co-author Eric Fisher, who shares his thoughts on how Messi Mania is going to impact Miami, MLS, and American soccer.

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