Inter Miami’s Club World Cup adventure begins with a touch of Formula 1 flair as Messi receives a lucky charm from fellow Argentine Franco Colapinto
Lionel Messi has grown used to receiving accolades, awards, and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike throughout his legendary career. But ahead of Inter Miami’s opening fixture in the FIFA Club World Cup, the Argentine superstar found himself smiling widely at a unique gesture—this time, not from a footballer, but from a rising Formula 1 talent with the same national roots.
As Inter Miami gear up for their highly anticipated debut in a global tournament hosted on American soil, Messi was paid a surprise visit at the team’s training session by Argentine F2 driver Franco Colapinto. The 22-year-old motorsport prodigy didn’t come empty-handed. In fact, he came bearing a gift that was as meaningful as it was symbolic: his own race helmet from the Formula 2 season.
A Shared Bond Between Argentine Icons
The moment was more than a media opportunity—it was a meeting of two worlds. Colapinto, fresh from the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, made the trip to Inter Miami’s training base in Florida to hand-deliver his helmet to Messi. The helmet, brightly decorated and personally inscribed, carried a message that encapsulated how Messi’s influence extends well beyond football:
“Thank you for so much joy and for all the lessons. All the best.”
There was no doubt about the sincerity of the gesture. Colapinto, who has openly spoken about his admiration for Messi in the past, looked genuinely moved to meet the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. And for Messi, who has spent over two decades inspiring athletes across sports and generations, it was a reminder that his impact is as wide-reaching as ever.
Messi beamed as he accepted the helmet, holding it up for photographers and sharing a few warm words with Colapinto on the pitch.
Not the First Time These Two Have Connected
This wasn’t the first exchange between Messi and Colapinto. In a previous gesture of support and mutual respect, Messi had sent the young driver a signed Argentina national team training jersey. Colapinto was visibly emotional at the time, posting on social media:
“I can’t believe it, thank you so much. As you can see, it brought me a lot of luck. It has the signature of the best in the world. I’m going to frame this shirt. I’m super happy and thankful to you, Leo.”
While Colapinto may still be climbing the ranks of motorsport, currently competing in Formula 2 and eyeing a future F1 seat, he already holds Messi in the same esteem that the rest of the world does. Their bond, though brief in public moments, is one built on national pride and shared dreams.
Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Campaign Begins
Messi’s cheerful moment with Colapinto came at a crucial time. Inter Miami, the reigning MLS Cup champions and one of the most talked-about clubs in global football right now thanks to Messi’s presence, are participating in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Their opening fixture saw them come up against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly—a match that was far from straightforward. Despite the hype and the promise of a new chapter in global club football, Inter Miami were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw. While Messi showed flashes of brilliance, he and his teammates couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Still, spirits remain high. For a team still adjusting to the rigours of a new competition format and facing unfamiliar opponents, there’s a strong belief that they’ll improve as the tournament progresses. And with Messi leading the charge, there’s always a chance of magic.
Meanwhile in Montreal: Colapinto’s Canadian GP Weekend
Back in Canada, Colapinto’s own fortunes were mixed. Racing at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal—a track steeped in F1 history—he finished 13th and narrowly missed out on points in the F2 support race. But just like Messi, Colapinto has never been defined by a single result.
His rise in motorsport has been steady, and he’s widely tipped to break into Formula 1 in the coming years. Representing Williams in the F1 Academy program and part of their driver development setup, Colapinto has a clear path to the top tier. And if that happens, it will mark another chapter in Argentina’s rich sporting legacy, standing proudly alongside Messi’s footballing feats.
A Gesture That Goes Beyond Sport
What makes this story more than a footnote in the sporting calendar is the mutual respect and humility shown by both athletes. In a world where elite stars often seem distant and untouchable, the sight of a young driver handing his helmet to his idol—on a football training ground, no less—was a reminder that sport, at its best, is about connection.
Messi, for all his accolades, still took time to acknowledge the gift, engage with Colapinto, and share a moment that both men will remember. And Colapinto, standing beside the greatest footballer of his generation, didn’t just fanboy—he gave something of his own: a symbol of his journey, his grit, and his hopes.
What’s Next?
For Lionel Messi, the focus shifts firmly to guiding Inter Miami through the rest of the Club World Cup. With tougher tests ahead and the eyes of the world on him, he’ll be hoping that Colapinto’s helmet does indeed bring him a touch of racing luck on the football pitch.
As for Franco Colapinto, he returns to his F2 duties with more motivation than ever. Sharing a moment with Messi wasn’t just a photo op—it was an affirmation that dreams can come true when hard work meets talent. Whether his path leads him to F1 in 2026 or sooner, it’s clear he has the support of Argentina’s greatest sporting ambassador.
In the end, this wasn’t just about a helmet. It was about heritage, belief, and two athletes—one already a legend, one on his way—sharing a brief, beautiful moment under the Florida sun.
