Lionel Messi and Inter Miami would get more exposure on FOX than Apple, claims Alexi Lalas – ahead of potential MLS debut tonight

FOX football analyst Alexi Lalas believes Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and MLS would have reached a wider audience if they used a traditional network instead of Apple’s streaming service.

Messi and Inter Miami have captured the imagination of the American soccer public since the arrival of the Argentinian in July.

Apple bought exclusive worldwide rights to broadcast MLS through its streaming service in a ten-year deal worth $2.5 billion.

Ahead of Messi’s MLS debut tonight against New York Red Bulls, Lalas was told that FOX was caught napping because he didn’t have broadcast rights to Messi.

“It’s not a miss,” he replied to X. “It’s business. Apple paid a billion dollars to broadcast @MLS games on their streaming subscription platform.

“I’m sure FOX, or any network, would love to have exclusive games with Messi. This would also give MLS the most exposure. But that’s the trade-off.’

Messi played 120 minutes in Inter Miami’s US Open Cup semi-final on Wednesday night against Cincinnati on penalties and then coach Tata Martino suggested he should manage the minutes the superstar plays.

When asked if Messi should play at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, the former USMNT player replied that he should.

“Of all the games, @MLS games are the most important for Messi to play in,” Lalas wrote on X. “His @InterMiami team is in last place and needs to make a run to have any hope of making the playoffs. to fetch. We haven’t seen Messi play even a minute in the MLS.’

The World Cup winner has made eight appearances during his time with the Fort Lauderdale franchise, starring so far.

During those eight games – in which Miami remained undefeated – Messi scored ten goals and three assists.

Messi’s last-place (15th) Eastern Conference team takes on the Red Bulls, who are ranked 11th in the East, at 7:30 PM ET.