Lionel Messi reveals his eclectic pre-game Apple Music playlist ahead of Inter Miami’s MLS season opener
The new MLS is season is about to get underway with all eyes on Lionel Messi.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will embark on his first full domestic campaign after joining David Beckham-owned Inter Miami halfway through last season.
3
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain kicks off the season with a home game against Real Salt Lake in the early hours of Thursday morning (UK time).
And thanks to a carefully curated music playlist, we know exactly what the GOAT will be listening to as he locks in ahead of the opening clash.
On Tuesday, Apple Music launched a playlist with Leo’s favourite songs called ‘Messi: The Warm-Up’.
The exclusive 60-song playlist offers a rare insight into Messi’s eclectic tastes and is designed to give fans a flavour of his pre-match ritual.
The three-hour playlist helps tell Leo’s story so far and takes fans on a journey across various music genres including latin pop, rock, reggae and cumbia – a popular music style in his native Argentina.
The playlist features many Spanish influences with artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Luis Fonsi, Maluma, Rosalia and Rauw Alejandro.
There’s also more familiar names with the likes of AC/DC, Drake, Rihanna, Coldplay, U2 and Gorillaz.
“For as long as I can remember, music has played an important part in my life, especially on match days,” Messi explained.
3
3
“Music quiets my mind, helps me stay calm and relaxed.”
Fans can listen to the full playlist here.
The Barcelona legend has been closely aligned with the tech giants ever since he moved to the MLS and the playlist is their latest joint venture.
Last year, Apple signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal to exclusively stream MLS matches internationally as they looked to capitalise on ‘Messi mania’.
In return, Messi helps boost Apple TV subscription numbers, where fans can buy MLS season passes, while getting a slice of the Apple/ MLS broadcast partnership and a four-part docu-series – ‘Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend’ – made about him.
The diminutive icon will get the chance to test his new playlist out ahead of The Herons’ season opener against Real Salt Lake at the new-look Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi will be joined by former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who all made the move to The Sunshine State last summer.
Messi, Busquets and Alba have already won the inaugural Leagues Cup together, but will hoping the addition of ex Liverpool striker Suarez can lead them to the big one this season – the MLS Cup.
