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Soccer superstar Lionel Messi draws crowd at F1 Miami Grand Prix
TL;DR
Lionel Messi attended the F1 Miami Grand Prix, drawing significant attention as a global soccer superstar. Since joining Inter Miami CF, he has become a prominent figure in South Florida sports.
Key points
- Lionel Messi attended the F1 Miami Grand Prix.
- Messi plays for Inter Miami CF.
- He led Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup.
- Messi is a two-time defending MLS MVP.
- He has become a sensation in South Florida.
Mentioned in this story
Lionel MessiMiami
Inter Miami CFMLS Cup
World Cup champion Lionel Messi belongs to Argentina, his home country.
But since arriving in the U.S. three years ago to play for Inter Miami CF, Messi has become a South Florida sensation. The global soccer superstar led Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup and is a two-time defending MLS MVP.
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So Messi’s celebrity visit to the paddock before F1’s Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, May 3, was not a surprise.
That doesn’t mean it didn’t cause an incredible stir among drivers and fans alike.
A guest of Mercedes
Messi attended the race with wife Antonela and their three sons just hours after scoring a goal during Inter Miami’s 4-3 loss to Orlando FC. He is a guest of Mercedes — he owns non-racing versions of the car and has made promotional appearances on behalf of the brand — and took photos outside the garage.
Due to a rainy forecast, the race was moved up three hours to 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
Earlier in the week, Alpine F1 driver Franco Colapinto, who is from Argentina, made a dream come true when he met Messi at the Inter Miami training ground.
“It was a very special moment,” Colaptino said, per Motorsport.com. “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,”
Q&A
Why did Lionel Messi attend the F1 Miami Grand Prix?
Lionel Messi attended the F1 Miami Grand Prix to make a celebrity appearance in the paddock, reflecting his status as a global sports icon.
What achievements has Lionel Messi accomplished with Inter Miami CF?
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to the 2025 MLS Cup and is a two-time defending MLS MVP.
How has Lionel Messi's presence impacted soccer in South Florida?
Since arriving in the U.S., Messi has become a South Florida sensation, significantly increasing the visibility and popularity of soccer in the region.