An Unforgettable Encounter
Alpine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto recently shared the details of a "special" and long-awaited meeting with fellow Argentine sports legend Lionel Messi. The encounter took place at the Inter Miami training facility shortly before the commencement of the Miami Grand Prix.
The meeting was arranged following a public admission by Colapinto during an exhibition event in Buenos Aires, where he expressed his profound desire to meet the football icon. He was accompanied during the visit by Messi’s national teammate, Rodrigo de Paul.
A Personal Connection
Speaking to media members in Miami, Colapinto described the event as a significant milestone in his life:
«It was a very special moment. It was something I had dreamt of all my life. If you ask any Argentinian who they want to meet, it's Leo. I had the chance. I wanted, of course, for a very long time to meet him. But I didn't have the chance. No cameras, no marketing. Just me, him and Rodrigo, the three of us chatting. Having a nice conversation outside of sport and more personal. It was something I always dreamt of.»
Shared Respect and Racing Updates
This is not the first time the 22-year-old driver has shown his admiration for the football star. In June 2025, Colapinto gifted a personalized racing helmet to Messi, featuring an inscription that thanked the athlete for his "lessons" and "joy." A passionate supporter of his home country, Colapinto is also known for being a dedicated fan of the football club Boca Juniors.
On the track, Colapinto currently holds the 16th position in the 2026 drivers' championship, having secured a point at the Chinese Grand Prix. Meanwhile, his Alpine teammate, Pierre Gasly, occupies eighth place with 15 points. The Formula 1 calendar is now back in action with the Miami Grand Prix, following a brief five-week hiatus due to the scheduling changes involving the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain rounds.