Alpine F1 driver Franco Colapinto met Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Miami days before the Miami Grand Prix, describing the encounter as an emotional childhood dream fulfilled. The meeting, arranged after Colapinto expressed his wish during a Buenos Aires show run, gave the rookie a significant morale boost.
Alpine F1 driver Franco Colapinto met Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Miami days before the Miami Grand Prix, describing the encounter as an emotional childhood dream fulfilled. The meeting, arranged after Colapinto expressed his wish during a Buenos Aires show run, gave the rookie a significant morale boost.
How did the meeting come about?
According to a report by Motorsport.com, Colapinto revealed during a Formula 1 exhibition in Buenos Aires that he hoped to meet Messi. Shortly after, he managed to arrange a meeting at Inter Miami’s training ground, with Messi’s teammate Rodrigo De Paul also present. Colapinto said, “I don’t know how it happened, but it was a dream come true.”
What happened during the encounter?
Colapinto described the meeting as an unforgettable moment. They talked about their careers and the challenges they faced. “Messi is a very humble person. We talked about football and racing, and it was truly special,” Colapinto added. The meeting lasted only a few minutes but left a deep impression on the Argentine driver.
How did the meeting affect Colapinto before the race?
Colapinto, who joined Alpine this season, said the meeting gave him a significant morale boost ahead of the Miami GP. “Seeing someone like Messi, who achieved so much with humility, inspires me to give my best on track,” he said. The race was an important test for Colapinto as he seeks to prove his worth in Formula 1.
Fan reactions to the meeting
Photos of the meeting spread quickly on social media, with fans of both football and Formula 1 reacting to the moment. Many saw it as a proud moment for Argentina, uniting two global stars from different fields. Colapinto concluded, “I hope to meet him again; he is a role model for me.”
Key Facts
- Driver: Franco Colapinto (Alpine F1)
- Other Person: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Location: Inter Miami training ground
- Occasion: Before the Miami Grand Prix
- Other Attendee: Rodrigo De Paul
- Description: Emotional and special
FAQ
Who is Franco Colapinto?
Franco Colapinto is an Argentine Formula 1 driver who joined the Alpine team for the 2025 season. He is considered a rising talent in motorsport.
Where and when did Colapinto meet Messi?
Colapinto met Messi at Inter Miami’s training ground days before the Miami Grand Prix in May 2025.
How was the meeting arranged?
After Colapinto expressed his wish to meet Messi during a show run in Buenos Aires, he arranged the meeting through undisclosed channels, with Rodrigo De Paul present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Franco Colapinto?
Franco Colapinto is an Argentine Formula 1 driver who joined the Alpine team for the 2025 season. He is considered a rising talent in motorsport.
Where and when did Colapinto meet Messi?
Colapinto met Messi at Inter Miami's training ground days before the Miami Grand Prix in May 2025.
How was the meeting arranged?
After Colapinto expressed his wish to meet Messi during a show run in Buenos Aires, he arranged the meeting through undisclosed channels, with Rodrigo De Paul present.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Franco Colapinto details emotional Lionel Messi moment before F1 Miami GP
