Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup playoffs debut is set for October 25, and it will be broadcast live on a colossal screen that stretches across an entire block in New York’s Times Square. This unique viewing experience is expected to draw attention from soccer fans and curious onlookers alike.
Major League Soccer announced that Inter Miami’s playoff opener will be the only match taking place that Friday night, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. This change marks a slight shift in the MLS Cup schedule, which initially planned for the playoffs to commence on October 26.
Inter Miami secured the MLS Supporters Shield after a thrilling 3-2 victory against Columbus on Wednesday night, solidifying their status as the league’s top regular season team. As the No. 1 seed, they will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, including a potential hosting of the MLS Cup final on December 7.
Messi expressed confidence in his team’s home advantage, stating, “We have a significant advantage since we’ll be playing all our matches at home, which is what we were aiming for. I think we are very strong at home. … I believe that being at home gives us a great advantage, and now we just have to prove it.”
With the Supporters Shield in hand, Messi has now claimed a remarkable 46 trophies throughout his career, a record that continues to grow. In his first season with Inter Miami, he helped the team clinch the Leagues Cup, although they did not qualify for the MLS playoffs last year.
MLS has revealed that the broadcast of Inter Miami’s playoff opener will feature some innovative elements. Apple TV will provide access to the match for all its customers, even those without an MLS Season Pass. Additionally, fans can catch the action live on a 25,000-square-foot digital display located on Broadway between 45th and 46th streets in Times Square.
Inter Miami will begin their playoff journey in a best-of-three series against the winner of the Eastern Conference’s wild-card match, set to take place on October 22. The complete MLS Cup playoff bracket will be finalized on October 19, the last day of the regular season.
Scheduling the match for Friday night in Fort Lauderdale helps avoid clashes with other major sporting events in South Florida that weekend.
On October 26, Miami will renew its college football rivalry with Florida State. Additionally, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, currently recovering from a concussion, may return to the field for the game against Arizona on October 27. NASCAR is also set to host a playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway that weekend, adding to the excitement in the region.
