Lionel Messi was caught in a relaxed moment during Grande Prêmio by Fórmula 1 by Miami, in the Mercedes team’s garage. A simple nod to Colombian actress Manuela González went viral on digital platforms, accumulating more than 1.3 million views in a short time. The gesture, which captured a spontaneous smile from the Argentine star, came less than 24 hours after Inter Miami’s frustrating defeat to Orlando City.
The context of Messi’s presence on Fórmula 1’s circuit occurred after a turbulent match. In the Flórida classic, Inter Miami led 3-0 in the 33rd minute of the first half, with the team in pink counting on assistance and a spectacular goal from Messi. The turnaround was merciless: the team lost 4-3 to Orlando City, resulting in the Argentine’s immediate departure to the Nu Stadium locker room.
Momento striking in the paddock of Fórmula 1
Recovery was quick. Convidado by Mercedes to accompany Miami’s Grande Prêmio, Messi attended the event the day after the football frustration. Foi It was precisely in the team’s garage that the unexpected meeting with Manuela González, a well-known personality on the Colombian entertainment scene, took place. The video shows Messi with a genuinely happy expression, raising his hand and waving at the actress.
Picarón el astro del fútbol. Yo avisé.
— Marian Herrera (@marianherrrera) May 3, 2026
pic.twitter.com/qnqm5ChMbN https://t.co/YzaL9D39s2
The record gained extraordinary proportions on social media:
- Mais from 1.3 million views on Instagram
- Circulação on multiple digital platforms
- Engajamento massive player following
- Repercussão on international celebrity coverage
Financial Situação on the rise in Inter Miami
Apesar from the recent defeat on the field, Messi guaranteed his stay in the American franchise. Jorge Más, one of the club’s owners alongside David Beckham, gave an interview to the Bloomberg website and revealed the exact numbers of the renewed contract. The star’s annual salary varies between 70 and 80 million dollars, taking into account all added rights and benefits.
The renewal extends until December 31, 2028, consolidating Messi as a central figure in the Inter Miami project. The figure places the player among the highest paid in current professional football.
Desempenho recent and expectations
The Flórida classic revealed Inter Miami’s defensive weaknesses. Liderando comfortably in the 33rd minute with three goals difference, the team was unable to sustain the advantage. Orlando City reacted with precision and determination, turning the score to 4-3 until the end of the match. The performance left Messi notably unhappy, reflecting his hasty exit to the locker room.
The Argentine’s presence in Miami, both in the football competition and in the motorsport circuit, demonstrates his prominence in the city’s social agendas. The chance meeting in Fórmula 1’s paddock turned into a viral event, eclipsing even the recent frustration on the field and reinforcing the player’s global celebrity status, whose relevance transcends the four lines.