After leading Inter Miami to a 3–1 victory over LAFC at Chase Stadium — a win that secured their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals — Lionel Messi wasn’t just the hero on the pitch. Off the field, he had a moment fans didn’t see coming: meeting the man he was named after, music icon Lionel Richie.
The 75-year-old singer shared the unforgettable moment on Instagram, posting several photos with Messi along with the caption: “When Lionel meets Lionel! His mom named him after me… and here we are. So great to finally meet you after all these years!”
Naturally, the post blew up online, sparking renewed interest in the backstory behind Messi’s first name — a story that starts decades ago in Rosario, Argentina.
According to Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, the plan was to name him “Leonel,” but his father Jorge made a last-minute switch. “I always liked the name Leonel,” she once told Argentine TV. “But then Jorge came and told me he named him ‘Lionel.’ I almost lost it. Why? Because we both loved Lionel Richie.”
The story eventually made its way to Richie himself, who reacted with his signature humor: “At first I thought it was a joke. Then I looked it up and realized it was true. Let me just say this — I can’t play soccer, and he definitely can’t sing!”
The meet-up was captured by Richie’s close friend and collaborator Dirk Vanoucek. Messi, wearing a sleek white jacket, crossed paths with Richie, who was dressed in classic black. It was a moment — two icons from completely different worlds finally connecting.
Richie, who rose to fame in the ’70s with The Commodores before launching a massively successful solo career in the ’80s, is known for timeless hits like “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “Say You, Say Me.” He’s racked up an Oscar, several Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Messi, meanwhile, is in the thick of a packed schedule with Inter Miami. As the team preps for a Concachampions semifinal clash against Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada, they’ll first face Chicago Fire this Sunday and then take on Eastern Conference leaders Columbus Crew next Saturday.
