In a heartwarming moment in Miami, Lionel Messi finally met Lionel Richie — the music icon who inspired his name. This unforgettable encounter came right after Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a victory that booked Messi’s team a spot in the semifinals. But the night’s biggest moment came off the pitch, when football’s GOAT met the artist who unknowingly became part of his story decades ago.

The story behind the name “Lionel”

It wasn’t just a meeting of legends — it was the closing of a full-circle moment. Messi’s father, Jorge, was a big fan of Lionel Richie, and originally planned to name his son Leonel. But in a sweet twist, he swapped the “e” for an “i” as a tribute to the American singer. Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, confirmed this fun fact in an interview, explaining that the name was a nod to Richie’s music.

Richie, whose hits like “All Night Long” and “Hello” made him a superstar in the ’70s and ’80s, was thrilled to finally meet Messi. “When Lionel meets Lionel! His mom named him after me… and here we are. What a joy to meet you after all these years,” he wrote on social media, alongside a few smiling photos. At first, he thought it was just a funny rumor, but once he looked into it, he realized — “It’s true! And it’s wild!”

A sweet and unexpected bond

During the meeting, Richie joked that while Messi can’t sing, he can’t play football either — a comment that had both of them laughing. It was a touching moment that connected fans of music and football alike, showing how personal stories can bridge the gap between two totally different worlds.

This wasn’t just a fun celebrity moment — it was a reminder of how public figures can unexpectedly shape lives in the most meaningful ways. Nearly 40 years after Lionel Messi was born, he finally met the man who, without even knowing it, helped give a name to a football legend.