The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas became the stage for a remarkable encounter between two sports icons: Lionel Messi, global football legend and star of Inter Miami, and Mexican Formula 1 driver Checo Pérez, who recently left Red Bull Racing. The meeting took place after a friendly match between Inter Miami and Club América, which ended in a 2-2 draw, with the MLS team winning in a penalty shootout.

Messi and Checo: A Viral Moment

Checo Pérez attended the match with his family and seized the opportunity to meet Messi, the reigning World Cup champion with Argentina. A video capturing their relaxed conversation in the stadium's corridors quickly went viral on social media. The interaction concluded with a widely shared photo of the two stars, delighting fans from both the football and motorsport worlds.

The videos were shared by Montserrat Gómez and Katia Castorena.

Despite being a known Real Madrid supporter, Checo couldn’t hide his admiration for Messi:
"He’s an incredible player, from another planet. His talent and career are admirable," said the Mexican driver, who is currently navigating a transitional period after exiting Formula 1 ahead of the 2025 season.

Checo’s Passion for Football and Family

During the match, Checo Pérez proudly displayed his love for football and his lifelong support for Club América. He was spotted greeting players like Igor Lichnovsky and head coach André Jardine, with whom he shares a friendly relationship. At one point, Checo jokingly entrusted his children to América’s players, drawing laughter from those around.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi continued to dazzle on the field, scoring a goal for Inter Miami and once again proving his leadership. However, it was his off-field interaction with Checo and his family that stole the spotlight, creating a memorable crossover moment between two sports giants.