Sunday Night Soccer is Major League Soccer’s new prime-time initiative, designed to spotlight the league’s most important matches on Sunday nights, following a format similar to the NFL’s Sunday Night Football.

This weekend, Lionel Messi will headline the marquee matchup as Inter Miami visits Houston Dynamo in Week 2 of the MLS season.

Just as the NFL has turned Sunday Night Football into the most-watched game of the week, MLS aims to replicate that success with Sunday Night Soccer, attracting more viewers and boosting the league’s growing presence in the U.S.

Messi and Inter Miami Riding Momentum

Javier Mascherano’s team arrives in strong form after advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, eliminating Sporting Kansas City with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Messi was instrumental, scoring in both legs.

In MLS action, Inter Miami opened the season with a 2-2 draw against New York City FC, salvaging a point thanks to a Messi assist to Telasco Segovia in the 100th minute, despite playing with 10 men since the 25th minute.

Sunday Night Soccer: MLS’ Version of Sunday Night Football?

For over two decades, Sunday Night Football has dominated U.S. sports television, consistently ranking as the most-watched program each week.

MLS aims to establish a similar prime-time tradition with Sunday Night Soccer, showcasing marquee matchups every Sunday evening to:

Increase viewership and drive Apple TV+ subscriptions
Enhance MLS' brand with dedicated weekly prime-time coverage
Leverage Messi’s star power to expand the league’s audience

While NFL ratings remain unmatched, MLS is strategically positioning itself in the Sunday sports calendar, hoping to establish Sunday Night Soccer as a must-watch event for American soccer fans.

Messi & Inter Miami: 2024 Season Full of Challenges

In a recent Apple TV interview, Messi reaffirmed Inter Miami’s ambition to compete for every available title in 2024.

“Our goal is to fight for championships.”

Inter Miami will compete in four major tournaments this season:

 MLS Regular Season
Leagues Cup
CONCACAF Champions Cup
FIFA Club World Cup

Houston Dynamo vs. Inter Miami kicks off at 6:00 PM local time in Texas, marking Messi’s debut in Sunday Night Soccer—a bold new effort by MLS to grow its audience and cement its place in the American sports landscape.