When Messi walks in, winners walk out

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Lionel Messi made headlines off the pitch and on the track at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, as his surprise appearance in the Mercedes garage coincided with a historic victory for Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The Argentine star, attending as a guest of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, was seen briefly sitting inside Antonelli’s car before the race, a moment that quickly went viral among fans. Hours later, the teenage sensation delivered a standout performance, converting pole position into victory and fueling talk of a light-hearted “Messi effect” in Formula One.

Antonelli’s win was another milestone in his remarkable rise. The 19-year-old secured his third consecutive victory from pole and became the youngest driver to lead the championship, continuing a record-breaking start to his career.

Messi, who was joined by his family in the paddock, also took time after the race to congratulate Antonelli following his triumph. His visit drew significant attention throughout the weekend, adding extra buzz to the event.

There was also a personal angle to the trip, as Messi showed support for fellow Argentine Franco Colapinto, who competes for Alpine F1 Team. The pair had met earlier in the week, with Colapinto describing the encounter as a dream come true.

Messi’s appearance came shortly after featuring for Inter Miami CF in a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Orlando City, where he still managed to register a goal and an assist before heading to the Grand Prix.

From football brilliance to Formula One drama, it proved a memorable day in Miami, with Messi’s presence adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already historic race.