Messi, Ronaldo & Co. Make Red Carpet Appearances During F1 Paddock Events
From grid walks to chequered flag duties, World Cup champions have been spotted around Formula 1 events. Lionel Messi’s place among football’s all-time greats was established before he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup. He visited the Mercedes garage at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix and met George Russell. Pele, the youngest scorer in men's World Cup history remains a notable presence, waving the chequered flag for Michael Schumacher’s victory.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe announced himself on the World Cup stage with France’s first win in 1998 and again with eight goals at the 2022 tournament. He waved the chequered flag as Charles Leclerc claimed his first home victory of 2024. In F1, Ronaldo has been connected with Alpine since retirement; he attended the car launch and presented Max Verstappen with the Sprint trophy.
Ronaldo and Messi at Mercedes
At the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, Lionel Messi enjoyed a tour of the Mercedes garage and met team members including Kimi Antonelli. Cristiano Ronaldo also posed with Rubens Barrichello in Monza pits during his storied career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup winners have visited Formula 1 events?
Nine distinct players, plus Pele, have made appearances at F1 weekend events over the years. According to reporting by Formula 1 (site oficial).