Alpine’s Franco Colapinto Meets Messi Ahead of Miami GP

Alpine’s 22‑year‑old driver Franco Colapinto says meeting Lionel Messi at Inter Miami’s training ground fulfilled a lifelong dream before the Miami Grand Prix. The three‑way chat with Messi and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul was off‑camera and personal.

Why it matters:

• The encounter underscores the cultural bond between Argentina’s football icons and its emerging F1 talent, widening the sport’s appeal.
• A personal high can boost Colapinto’s confidence as he heads back to the grid after a five‑week hiatus.

The details:

• The meeting took place at Inter Miami’s training complex, with Messi, Colapinto and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
• Colapinto gifted Messi a signed helmet in June 2025, inscribed with a thank‑you note.
• The driver, a Boca Juniors supporter, is 16th in the 2026 drivers’ standings with one point after the Chinese GP; teammate Pierre Gasly sits eighth with 15 points.
• The season resumes after a five‑week pause caused by the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix.

What's next:

• Colapinto will line up for the Miami GP, hoping the morale boost translates into points.
• A solid result could narrow the gap to Gasly and kick‑start his campaign for the rest of the season.