MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi turned heads and stole the show at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, drawing massive crowds and generating viral moments as the soccer legend attended with his family just hours after scoring for Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's appearance at the Miami International Autodrome added an extra layer of star power to an already glamorous event, where he mingled with drivers, visited team garages and celebrated winner Kimi Antonelli in a feel-good crossover between football and Formula 1.

Messi arrived at the paddock alongside his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons shortly after playing in Inter Miami's dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City. Dressed casually, the Argentine icon quickly became the center of attention as fans and cameras swarmed him. Mercedes hosted Messi as a guest — he owns several non-racing Mercedes vehicles and has collaborated with the brand on promotional work — and he spent time in their garage area taking photos and observing preparations.

One of the most memorable interactions came when Messi met fellow Argentine Franco Colapinto of Alpine. The young driver described the encounter as a dream come true, sharing that Messi asked detailed questions about Formula 1........

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