Franco Colapinto has revealed that Lionel Messi asked him a question about Formula 1 that the Argentine driver found surprising, highlighting the football legend’s interest in motorsport.
The 2026 season marks Colapinto’s continued presence in the F1 paddock, and his connection to one of Argentina’s most celebrated athletes underscores the growing crossover between football and racing in South American sporting culture.
Messi’s F1 Curiosity
While specific details of the question Messi posed remain undisclosed, Colapinto’s characterisation of it as “surprising” suggests the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated deeper technical or tactical curiosity about Formula 1 than might be expected from a casual observer.
The interaction between the two Argentine sports figures reflects the heightened profile of F1 in regions where football has traditionally dominated the sporting landscape. Messi’s Inter Miami teammate and fellow football icon has previously been spotted in the F1 paddock, and the sport’s Netflix-driven popularity surge has attracted interest from athletes across disciplines.
Colapinto’s F1 Journey
Colapinto’s path to Formula 1 has made him a significant figure in Argentine motorsport, carrying the weight of a nation with limited recent representation at the sport’s highest level. His presence on the grid offers a rare opportunity for Argentine sports fans to follow one of their own competing against the world’s elite drivers.
The connection with Messi, arguably Argentina’s most famous athlete globally, brings additional attention to Colapinto’s racing career and potentially introduces F1 to football audiences who might not otherwise engage with the sport.
As the 2026 season continues, Colapinto will be looking to build on his performances and establish himself further in the championship, with the support of fans across Argentina and beyond.