Franco Colapinto expressed his surprise at Lionel Messi’s Formula 1 knowledge after ‘dream meeting’ between the two Argentinians at the Miami Grand Prix.
Colapinto has fared much better in F1’s latest era, for Alpine, than he did under the erstwhile ground effects’ regulations.
Four rounds into the 2026 campaign, the Argentine racing driver sits just outside the top 10 in 11th.
His race weekend at the Miami International Autodrome was yet another milestone for Colapinto as he took the chequered flag in P8 – being promoted to P7 post-race after Charles Leclerc accumulated his 20-second time penalty.
Not only was his career-best result but also the best for an Argentine driver since Carlos Reutemann’s P2 finish at the 1982 South African GP.
But the Miami GP weekend was also special for Colapinto for another reason – he was able to finally meet his sporting idol; Messi.
“It was something I’ve always dreamed of, and just having the opportunity of meeting him and having his time was a very special moment,” Colapinto told media including Motorsport Week.
“He surprised me” – Franco Colapinto on Lionel Messi’s F1 knowledge
The eigth-time Ballon D’Or winner was in attendance at the race weekend as a guest of Alpine’s engine supplier, Mercedes.
Colapinto was also able to meet Messi’s team-mate Rodrigo de Paul, being taken by surprise by the World Cup winner’s interest in, and knowledge of the sport.
“He actually knew quite a lot – he surprised me,” Colapinto added.
“He was asking questions, and I was very surprised. He loves sport, and he also loves Argentine athletes and people representing Argentina, so it was a very unique moment.
“If you ask anyone in Argentina who they want to meet, it is Lionel, and I had the chance and have wanted for a very, very, very long time.
“But to have a chance with no cameras and no marketing, and just to meet him and Rodrigo, was nice.”
Heading into the Canadian GP weekend, Colapinto would be hoping to capitalise on his strong showing so far and climb into the top 10 of the drivers’ standings.
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