Lionel Messi joins stars in Miami as footballing legend congratulates Kimi Antonelli on winning Grand Prix

The F1 star told the Barcelona legend how pleased he was to have met him

Lionel Messi joined stars in Miami as he congratulated Kimi Antonelli, who won his third Grand Prix.

The Inter Miami forward stepped away from his footballing commitments for an afternoon surrounded by A-listers.

 

Joined by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their family, Messi shook hands with Antonelli and gave him a hug after an intense race.

During their embrace, the Italian told the Barcelona legend: “I’m so happy that I met you.”

George Russell, Lionel Messi, Kimi Antonelli

Messi pictured with Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

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The paddock also provided a meaningful moment for Argentine sport, as Messi took the opportunity to meet rising F1 driver Franco Colapinto.

Tennis great Rafael Nadal was among those in attendance, as well as American music producer DJ Khaled.

Former Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng also flew into Florida to take in the action.

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm and Englishman Ian Poulter both made their way to Miami for the exhilarating race.

Lionel Messi

Messi took in the action with his family

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Antonelli stormed to victory at the Miami Grand Prix, opening up a commanding 20-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell in the championship standings.

The 19-year-old Italian made history in Florida, becoming the first driver ever to convert his opening three pole positions into race victories.

It is a remarkable feat by the Italian as he joins elite company in becoming the third driver, alongside former world champions Damon Hill and Mika Hakkinen, to win his first three grands prix consecutively.

Lando Norris had to settle for second place for McLaren, with Oscar Piastri completing the podium in third.

Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli leads the way in the drivers’ championship

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Mercedes have now won all four races this season, putting pre-season favourite Russell firmly in the shade.

Antonelli was thrilled with how things played out, saying: “The team did a great strategy. We did a massive undercut and we managed to bring it home even though it was not easy.

“This is just the beginning. The road is still long. We are working super hard and the team is doing an incredible job.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be here, so thanks to them and my family.”

Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris

Norris had to settle for second place in the Grand Prix

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Norris could not hide his disappointment, hitting out at the team’s strategy.

“We got undercut, no excuses,” he admitted. “We should have boxed first. As a team, we have to be happy. I am gutted to miss out on a win. It was possible today.”

George Russell salvaged fourth after a late battle with Verstappen, who finished fifth following his early spin.

Lewis Hamilton was handed a welcome boost, initially finishing seventh but being bumped up to sixth after his teammate, Charles Leclerc, was handed a 20-second penalty.