How to watch Inter Miami vs Atlanta United: Start time, TV channel, live stream as Messi faces MLS playoffs

Lionel Messi will have his first taste of the MLS play-offs when top seeds Inter Miami open their post-season campaign against Atlanta.

The runaway Eastern Conference champions will take a major step towards winning the MLS Cup for the first time in their history if they win the best-of-three series.

While Miami have long ensured they would finish in one of the top seven positions required to reach the play-offs automatically, Atlanta made it by virtue of beating Montreal on penalties on Tuesday.

Here’s what you need to know about watching Inter Miami vs Atlanta United, including start time, TV channel and streaming details.

Our journey for the cup begins Don’t miss Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United this Friday, October 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Free on @appletv #MLSSeasonPass #ItsMiamiTime pic.twitter.com/9VB8eoIB4C

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 24, 2024

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United kick-off time

The match at the 21,550-capacity Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale will start at 8.30pm ET on Friday, October 25. That’s 5.30pm PT or 1.30am on Saturday in the UK.

The teams meet again at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 2. Should a third game be required, it will take place at Fort Lauderdale on November 9.

Inter Miami vs Atlanta TV channel

All of the action will be shown live on Apple TV, which is available on Smart TV, Android TV, Google TV and a range of other options.

There will also be a special TikTok livestream allowing fans to specifically follow Lionel Messi during the match, for which registration is required.

We are Inter Miami

The team that made history! ️ Don’t miss tomorrow’s match and grab your own poster of this legendary squad. pic.twitter.com/m8UuzeoPEj

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 24, 2024

Inter Miami vs Atlanta live stream

Apple TV provides live streaming via the Apple TV app on a wide range of devices.

Viewers should open the app and click or tap on Apple TV+ to tune in. The action is also available online at tv.apple.com.

Inter Miami MLS play-off schedule

Should they win, Inter Miami will face Orlando City or Charlotte in the Eastern Conference semi-finals on November 23 or 24.

Another win would pit them against Cincinnati, New York City, Columbus Crew or New York Red Bulls on November 30 or December 1.

Should they reach the MLS Cup match, they will meet LAFC, Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, Minnesota, LA Galaxy or the Colorado Rapids, all of whom are contesting the Western Conference side of the play-offs.

That match will take place on December 7 at 4pm ET.