Franco Colapinto Gets Major Lionel Messi Praise After Career Best Result

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto got some series praise from fellow Argentinian Lionel Messi, who was in attendance at the Miami Grand Prix.

Colapinto got to meet his hero a week before the race at Inter Miami’s training ground. After the visit, Messi returned to favor by supporting the driver at the Miami Grand Prix.

“The truth is, I’d never had any contact with him. He did give me a helmet, and he was also eager to meet me someday,” Messi said to the podcast Lo del Pollo.

“We have mutual acquaintances, and the other day it finally happened; he was able to stop by training and we met. He’s truly amazing.”

Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Franco Colapinto (43) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Colapinto finished in seventh place in Miami, his best result as an F1 driver, bringing him a total of six points for Alpine in what is essentially his first full season with the French racing outfit.

Alpine, while using the impressive Mercedes power unit, has excelled in 2026, and Colapinto, while on the same level as his teammate Pierre Gasly on the year as a whole, has seemed more comfortable with the team.

On Sunday, he got to cross off a dream of his after meeting Messi.

“Many dreams have come true in the last seven days. I’m happy and enjoying the moment, seeing Leo here visiting. All the drivers were ready for the race, and I was with him in jeans,” Colapinto said.

“The fact that he came to support me with his whole family is very special. Seeing my idol and the hero of all Argentinians again was great.

“It’s a great result, and it’s good to give something positive to Argentinians. I’m very optimistic; this is a good start, and we’re going for more.”

Messi’s advice for Colapinto

Messi, who is arguably the greatest soccer player of all time and is worshipped in Argentina for his feats, offered words of wisdom to Colapinto, who has not experienced an ounce of the success Messi has but already holds significant importance for Argentina as the nation’s only driver in F1.