The soccer world has been sent into a frenzy as Lionel Messi has been finally officially announced as an Inter Miami player. The news of his arrival in America has been met with immense excitement and celebration among fans. However, amidst the thrill, confusion has also taken hold.
Without a doubt, Messi’s move to Inter Miami is an enormous deal. Not only is he set to become the highest-paid soccer star, but he will also surpass all other athletes in the United States in terms of earnings. With this signing, the significance of his presence cannot be overstated. Recognizing the magnitude of the occasion, Apple TV has paid a grand tribute to Messi.
Apple welcoming the ‘GOAT’ Lionel Messi to Miami
Apple TV holds the rights to broadcast MLS games in the US following a 10-year deal, worth an astounding $2.5 billion. Along with that Apple is also part of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract in a profit-sharing agreement. Apple TV’s inclusion in Messi’s contract means that he will receive a share of the profits generated from the broadcasting of Inter Miami matches on the platform.
Given Apple’s valuation of approximately $3 trillion, it is no surprise that they wanted to welcome the soccer legend in style. In a striking display, Apple unveiled a colossal billboard in South Florida, featuring Inter Miami’s signature pink color scheme and a depiction of a goat, symbolizing Messi’s status as the ‘Greatest of All Time’.
Alongside the emoji is the message, “now on [Apple logo] TV,” hyping fans up to watch Messi on their platform. The massive billboard is undoubtedly a bold and eye-catching tribute. However, some fans have been left puzzled about the advert’s intended recipient.
Fans left confused with the ‘GOAT’ symbolism
While soccer enthusiasts immediately associated the goat symbol with Messi, others were left guessing. The confusion arises from various interpretations of the acronym ‘GOAT,’ as for fans of different sports, the definition of the greatest player is different. This can be seen with some NBA and NFL fans namedropping the likes of Tom Brady and Kobe Bryant in confusion.
Here are some of the reactions from fans:
Here’s my no-fun take: this is a dumb ad, one which the bulk of the general public won’t understand at all. 🤷♂️ https://t.co/9tI2lwKvdM
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) July 16, 2023
Tom Brady on Apple TV?
— Kryptoon Kat 👺🧶 🐸 (@katalyst305) July 15, 2023
Kobe? pic.twitter.com/kswVXDQrgN
— NBAinthezone™️ (@NBAinthezone) July 16, 2023
Some soccer fans also dropped in questioning if Apple TV now has Messi’s arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo on there.
Oh shit. Ronaldo’s there? https://t.co/B7DqPifEIW
— 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 (@ShowtimeOrtega) July 16, 2023
This perplexed one WWE fan as well. He couldn’t help but wonder if WWE superstar Austin Theory was on Apple TV.
Did they give Austin Theory a show on Apple TV?
— Z (@AZ_whyeventry) July 15, 2023
The comments also included fans of the entertainment sector, particularly Nicki Minaj, who wondered if the Pink GOAT represented their “Queen of Hip-Hop”.
Nicki Minaj, now on Apple TV? https://t.co/Yv1TNTolN4
— T 🐰💖 (@tiatopia_) July 15, 2023
This confusion is to be expected, given the multi-faceted nature of the term GOAT. Nonetheless, Apple’s giant tribute is undeniably meant for Lionel Messi. His arrival in the US has created a whirlwind of anticipation and excitement, and Apple’s celebration of his talent is merited. As arguably the best of all time, Messi’s presence will undoubtedly elevate the profile of both MLS and Inter Miami.
